Sun to sea: solar pioneer honoured
The Martin Green Ferry will pave the way for a fully electric Parramatta River fleet.
The ferry fleet navigating Sydney’s Parramatta River has a new arrival named in honour of pioneering solar panel scientist Professor Martin Green.
The Martin Green Ferry is the fourth of seven new river class vessels designed to replace Sydney's aging RiverCats which are named after famous Australian female athletes.
With a 200-person capacity, the ferry is said to use 40% less fuel than its predecessors and was designed to be able adopt electric propulsion in the future as the technology advances - enabling a fully electric ferry fleet.
In line with this goal, the fleet is being named after Australians who, like Prof Green, have made notable contributions to science and the environment.
"I eagerly await the day when the Sydney fleet is completely electric and fuelled by solar power, enhancing the sustainability and environmental friendliness of public transport in our city."
Prof Green, the founding director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), has been described as the father of modern photovoltaics thanks to his role in the development of the Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) technology that powers over 90% of the world's solar panels.
"I never imagined I would one day have a ferry named after me – what an incredible honour," Prof Green said of the announcement in Sydney last week.
"This recognition is not just personal; it's a testament to the dedication of my team at UNSW Sydney who have been at the forefront of solar development for half a century. This year, Australia will generate more than 20 percent of its entire electricity supply from solar, and this figure will continue to grow rapidly.
“I note this ferry is future-proofed by allowing for conversion to electric propulsion. I eagerly await the day when the Sydney fleet is completely electric and fuelled by solar power, enhancing the sustainability and environmental friendliness of public transport in our city."
Innovators honoured
According to NSW Premier Chris Minns, who announced the ferry’s naming in Sydney last week with Transport Minister Jo Haylen, the new fleet would be more sustainable than its predecessors.
“This new ferry represents the very best in Australian engineering and will play a vital role in modernising our public transport system," Premier Minns said. "With state-of-the-art technology, the Martin Green will help reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and provide a more comfortable journey for passengers on the F3 route.”
The Martin Green is the fourth of seven new Parramatta River Class vessels to be designed by Incat Crowthers in the Northern Beaches and built by Richardson Devine Marine in Hobart.
The fleet’s naming convention honours Australians who have made significant achievements in science, environment, and innovation.
The first vessel, Frances Bodkin, pays tribute to the D’harawal Elder and botanist dedicated to cataloguing native plants. The second, named after John Nutt, commemorates his role in overseeing the construction of the Sydney Opera House.
The third ferry honours marine biologist Isobel Bennett, known for her contributions to Australian marine research. Upcoming vessels will be named after radio astronomy pioneer Ruby Payne-Scott, engineer and urban planner Norman Selfe, and environmental activist Jack Mundey.
The new Parramatta ferry fleet was designed by Incat Crowthers in the Northern Beaches and built by Richardson Devine Marine in Hobart. The Martin Green Ferry has a 200-person capacity and uses 40% less fuel than its predecessors. It has also been designed to be converted to electric propulsion as technology advances, enabling a fully electric ferry fleet.
