View the Interim Factual Statement
On 26 September 2022 Transdev Sydney Ferries (TDSF) removed from service three (3) Emerald Class Generation II Ferries, the Fairlight, Balmoral and Clontarf after two steering failures in as many days occurred on Sydney Harbour.
This incident was the latest in a series of steering related failures. It involved a steering failure on the Fairlight to the west of Fort Denison while conducting a passenger service. The previous day, the vessel Clontarf was conducting a passenger service from Circular Quay to Manly, when a steering failure occurred to the east of Fort Denison while travelling in an easterly direction. Both incidents occurred on separate Generation II vessels and resulted in a full loss of steering control. The master conducted the pre-determined immediate response drills to respond to the incidents.
Following the second incident, TDSF temporarily removed the three Generation II vessels from service. In the interim, two Freshwater class vessels have been re-introduced into service to support the regular Manly-Circular Quay passenger service. The operator (TDSF) engaged an external engineering specialist to assist in root cause analysis, engineering assessment and defect repair. As of 17 October 2022, the cause was still under investigation and the vessels remain temporarily removed from service.
Based on findings from OTSI’s preliminary enquiries, the Chief Investigator determined that the matter warranted investigation in accordance with Section 46 of the Passenger Transport Act 1990 (NSW). The scope of the investigation includes, but is not limited to: