Sydney SuperCats
The Sydney SuperCats were a class of catamarans operated by Transdev Sydney Ferries on Sydney Harbour.
Susie O'Neill at Circular Quay in 2017 | |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | Australian Defence Industries |
| Operators | |
| Planned | 8 |
| Completed | 4 |
| Retired | 4 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Catamaran |
| Length | 37.76 metres |
| Speed | 26 knots |
| Capacity | 326 |
History
In 2000/01, the State Transit Authority purchased four SuperCats. Initially eight were ordered, but the final four were cancelled.[1] All were built by Australian Defence Industries at Garden Island.
They primarily operated on Eastern Suburbs services and were on occasion used on the Manly run.[2] The upper deck was closed at night time.
In 2019 a new class of ferries known as the River-class were announced, with the new class to replace the SuperCats and HarbourCats. In December 2021 SuperCat Saint Mary Mackillop was retired from passenger service, after a few river-class ferries entered service from October 2021. On 31 August 2022 Susie O'Neill was retired with Louise Sauvage being the next to retire on 22 March 2024. On the 28th of April 2024 SuperCat 4 was retired and left for Newcastle after being sold. All 4 vessels are currently inactive however they have all reportedly been sold.
Vessels
| Name | Call sign | MMSI | Year in service | Namesake | Year retired |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Mary Mackillop | 21822 | 503374400 | 2000 | Mary Mackillop | 2021 |
| Susie O'Neill | 21852 | 503374600 | 2000 | Susie O'Neill | 2022 |
| Louise Sauvage | 21906 | 503374700 | 2001 | Louise Sauvage | 2024 |
| SuperCat 4 | 21942 | 503374500 | 2001 | Ferry class & vessel | 2024 |
References
- Fiasco afloat: ferries dead in the water Archived 24 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Sydney Morning Herald 9 April 2007
- Supercat makes rare appearance at Manly Manly Daily 19 July 2013