[Peetwo]

Cowper's take on what the Minn's Govt should do with the Gen IIs?? - 

Via FB:

Chris (legend) Cowper - Save the Manly Ferry

WHAT CAN WE DO WITH 3 SLIGHTLY USED GEN II EMERALDS?

With our new NSW State Government there is now a light burning brightly at the end of the tunnel and 4 Freshwater Class Ferries can be seen sailing into sight.

So.

What do we do with 3 slightly used, Chinese built Gen II Emerald Class vessels?

First, a little history.

About 5 or 6 years ago, when French owned Transdev had convinced Transport for NSW, “Lady Northcott” (800 passengers) and “Lady Herron” (560 passengers) were no longer a viable proposition, it was rumoured, Taronga Zoo Management suggested painting both Ladies in a Taronga Zoo themed colour scheme and for them to be permanently on the Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo run.

Transdev/Transport for NSW got rid of both Ladies.

And in a secretive operation, towed them to Newcastle, under the cover of darkness.

At present the largest vessels in the Inner Harbour Fleet only carry 400 passengers.

The Zoo run is profitable and often extremely busy.

Taxpaying Passengers are frequently left behind.

Now then:

Why not paint, or vinyl  wrap, the 3 Gen II Emeralds (Fairlight, Clontarf & Balmoral) in a colour scheme with Taronga Zoo motives, and put two permanently on the Zoo Run?

I’m told, if the Gen II Emerald’s survey is downgraded to 1E (Smooth Water Operations) their passenger capacity could be increased to 550 or 600 passengers.

Most of Sydney Ferries/Transdev’s vessels are 1E.

Both Athol Wharf (Zoo Wharf) and Circular Quay Wharves are pontoons, so loading and unloading at high and low tides is not a problem.

Firstly, the steering systems would probably need to be ripped out and replaced with a good Aussie designed set up.

The Yanmar 6AY-WET engines could be governed back to a maximum speed of 14 knots. They would no longer run all day at 100%.

Their engines would be extremely fuel efficient and last for years.

The capacity of their sullage and fresh water tanks would have to be increased.

Balmain Shipyard is capable of doing all this work.

Passengers would love the outside seating.

Kids would love the colour scheme.

Maybe run a competition among schools for the design?

The remaining Supercats could be retired.

Manly and Taronga Zoo passengers would be very happy.

Come on Premier Minns you know it makes sense...

MTF...P2