E-Newsletter #23

Headlines

• WaterBUS kiosk a hit at Central Coast City Shaping Summit 2026

• Welcoming new WaterBUS stakeholders

• Vessev and Fly Derwent launch Australia’s first electric hydrofoil ferry network

• Candela secures world’s largest electric hydrofoil ferry order in Norway

• Aus Ships Group to build Australia’s first electric passenger ferry

Dive in below to see the latest steps toward cleaner, smarter water transport on the Central Coast.

Sasha Kanthan and Julian Bowker staffing the WaterBUS kiosk [Images courtesy of Business NSW]

WaterBUS kiosk a hit at Central Coast City Shaping Summit 2026

The WaterBUS Initiative was thrilled to be invited by Business NSW Central Coast to host a kiosk at the Central Coast City Shaping Summit 2026 held on Friday 1 May at The Gallery, Gosford RSL. The high-energy event brought together more than 160 senior government leaders, industry executives, developers, and regional stakeholders, including Liesl Tesch MP, Dr Gordon Reid MP, Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna, and keynote speakers such as Dr Andy Marks and CBA’s Kevin Stanley, to move beyond vision and focus on real delivery: major infrastructure, housing, investment, and the transformation of Gosford into a thriving, connected city.

Our kiosk gave attendees a hands-on look at the innovative electric low-wash waterbus concept, sparking lively conversations about how sustainable water transport can complement Gosford’s waterfront revitalisation, reduce road congestion, and deliver the next chapter of connected, zero-emissions growth on the Central Coast. A huge thank you to Scott Goold and Briar Forrester of Business NSW and everyone who stopped by.

Welcoming new WaterBUS stakeholders

The WaterBUS Initiative is thrilled to welcome two outstanding new stakeholders to our growing community: Water Roads and Gosford RSL. These local leaders bring valuable expertise, community ties, and enthusiasm to help advance our vision of a fast, clean, and affordable high-speed waterborne passenger transport network on the Brisbane Water.

• Water Roads: Pioneering zero-emission Water Metro systems that transform under-utilised urban waterways into high-frequency, high-capacity transit corridors, delivering faster, cleaner, and more affordable journeys across Sydney and beyond.

• Gosford RSL: A vibrant Central Coast community hub that honours Australia’s veterans while delivering exceptional dining, live entertainment, modern event spaces like The Gallery, and a welcoming social atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

Your support strengthens our not-for-profit mission to reduce congestion, boost sustainable transport, and unlock Gosford's potential as the region's strategic hub. Together, we're making water the essence of connected, liveable communities on the Central Coast. A warm welcome aboard - we look forward to collaborating and achieving great things!

Vessev VS-9 operating on the Derwent River, Tasmania [Composite image courtesy of Vessev]

Vessev and Fly Derwent launch Australia’s first electric hydrofoil ferry network

In a major step for Australian electric water transport, New Zealand-based Vessev has partnered with Tasmanian clean-energy venture Fly Derwent to deliver the country’s first electric hydrofoil passenger network on Hobart’s Derwent River. The project will begin with the delivery of Vessev’s VS-9 hydrofoiling vessel (carrying 10 passengers) in early 2027, followed by larger VS-12 models (up to 30 passengers) operating high-speed, zero-emission services along a 60-kilometre route from New Norfolk to Opossum Bay.

Cruising at around 25 knots with dramatically reduced energy use and near-silent operation, the fleet will reconnect Hobart’s waterfront communities and demonstrate how innovative hydrofoil technology can transform urban waterways into efficient, sustainable transit corridors. This exciting Australian-first initiative further validates the growing momentum behind projects like the WaterBUS Initiative on the NSW Central Coast.

Candela P-12's operating on Norwegian fjord [Composite image courtesy of Candela]

Candela secures world’s largest electric hydrofoil ferry order in Norway

In a landmark deal announced in April 2026, Swedish electric hydrofoil specialist Candela has sold 20 of its groundbreaking P-12 passenger vessels to Norwegian public transport operator Boreal AS, creating the world’s largest fleet of “flying” electric ferries to date. The high-speed, hydrofoiling P-12s will operate on key fjord routes along Norway’s dramatic coastline, delivering zero-emission, near-silent journeys while cutting energy consumption by up to 80% compared with conventional vessels.

The first two boats are scheduled for delivery in 2027, with the remaining vessels arriving in yearly batches through 2030. This major order highlights the accelerating global shift toward fast, efficient, and sustainable waterborne transport.

Aus Ships Group planned electric passenger ferry [Image courtesy of Australian Ships Group]

Aus Ships Group to build Australia’s first electric passenger ferry

Brisbane-based shipbuilder Aus Ships Group has partnered with Volvo Penta to construct Australia’s first 100 per cent electric drive passenger ferry, with the 18-metre catamaran already under construction and scheduled for commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2026. The landmark vessel will carry up to 80 passengers and feature a twin installation of Volvo Penta’s IPS450E electric propulsion system delivering 250 kilowatts per driveline, supported by a 460 kilowatt-hour battery pack and solar panels for zero-emission operation.

Backed by a two-million-dollar grant from the Australia-Singapore Low Emissions Technologies initiative and involving CSIRO, the project will serve as a real-world demonstrator to gather critical data on electric marine propulsion. With a long-term vision to scale a fleet along Australia’s east coast, including routes in Brisbane and Sydney, Aus Ships Group is accelerating the transition to sustainable water transport and building on its experience delivering Brisbane’s iconic CityCats.

What's next for May 2026? ✨

This month, we're continuing stakeholder consultations and progressing our efforts to obtain funding for a formal feasibility study to advance this game-changing Central Coast initiative.

As a volunteer-led, not-for-profit project, the WaterBUS Initiative relies on community support to keep moving forward. Become a member or stakeholder today and join us in shaping sustainable water transport for the Brisbane Water—your involvement makes a real difference!

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we're turning vision into reality for our local community. 🚀