VEEM is pleased to support Manly Fast Ferry as they progress their decarbonisation pathway on Sydney Harbour, with early propulsion data showing an 8% efficiency improvement in light-ship trials after installing advanced VEEM Extreme propellers, replacing long-standing VEEM NiBrAl equivalents.
A Performance-Led Step Toward Lower Emissions
These results underscore the powerful role that performance-led efficiency upgrades can play in reducing fuel use and emissions for ferry operators. While Manly Fast Ferries has set a 30% emissions-reduction target for each vessel across its fleet, the gains from upgrading to VEEM Extreme propellers will contribute meaningfully to that overall emissions-reduction effort.
Early feedback from industry partners has been positive:
“We’re delighted with the initial results and we look forward to further testing and collaboration of all VEEM Extreme products on our decarbonisation journey,” said Adam Moore from NRMA Marine — the operator of the Manly Fast Ferry network.
About Manly Fast Ferry
Manly Fast Ferry is the high-speed ferry operator serving the busy Circular Quay ↔ Manly route on Sydney Harbour. Founded in 2009 and now owned and operated by the NRMA, the service provides regular crossings — typically around 18–20 minutes — between Circular Quay and Manly Wharf, with frequent departures that make the service both a commuter favourite and a scenic way to experience Sydney’s iconic harbour.
The Manly Fast Ferry fleet operates as part of the broader Sydney harbour transport network, carrying thousands of passengers daily, and is included in Transport for NSW’s Opal network with Opal card acceptance for seamless travel.
This ferry service has become a vital part of Sydney’s transport ecosystem, offering speed, reliability, and a unique waterscape experience that can outperform traditional ferry options on rougher harbour conditions.
Supporting Sustainability Beyond Propellers
The collaboration with VEEM is just one component of the operator’s broader sustainability strategy. Manly Fast Ferry – through NRMA Marine – has publicly committed to reducing operational emissions by 30% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, integrating initiatives that include cutting-edge hull cleaning technologies and fuel-saving operations. Manly Fast Ferry’s decarbonisation work is alongside their efforts within the global Green Marine environmental certification program — a voluntary initiative that encourages maritime enterprises to improve environmental performance beyond regulatory requirements.
Green Marine provides a rigorous and transparent certification process based on annual self-evaluation, external verification, and publication of environmental performance results across multiple indicators related to air, water, soil quality, biodiversity protection, and community relations.
Why It Matters
The maritime sector is under increasing pressure – both from international bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and from local commitments — to decarbonise and reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the coming decades. Accepted long-term targets (including IMO’s 2050 net-zero aspiration) are helping drive innovation, investment, and performance upgrades across the global fleet.
For ferry operators like Manly Fast Ferry, efficiency gains such as those from VEEM’s propulsion upgrades don’t just reduce fuel costs — they support measurable steps toward emissions targets, enhance business sustainability, and demonstrate what can be achieved when innovation is paired with environmental ambition.
Manly Fast Ferries
High-speed ferry operator in Sydney Harbour operated by NRMA
VEEM Extreme Propellers
Up to 18.1% Reduction in fuel burn when compared with a standard Class 1 propeller and flat plate rudder system
Read More about the VEEM Extreme Range
Green Marine
Green Marine environmental certification program
IMO Net Zero Framework
Decarbonisation targets for the International Maritime Industry
