Ocean Surfer, a 33-metre, 400-passenger high-speed ferry operated by Manly Fast Ferry, returned to the water this week following a hull coating change and the installation of VEEM Extreme propellers. The vessel was already running the Hullbot in-water grooming system, and the latest upgrade forms part of a combined effort to reduce fuel consumption and emissions across the fleet.
Comparative data runs supplied by NRMA Marine show a clear improvement post-docking.
- At a service speed of 23.2 knots, fuel consumption fell from 128 to 116 litres per hour – a 9.4% efficiency gain.
- At full speed, the vessel recorded a 2-knot increase to 28.2 knots while burning 27 litres per engine less, a 14.1% improvement.
- NRMA Marine reports that its initiatives have now combined to deliver an efficiency of under 10 litres per nautical mile.
With Ocean Adventurer docked this week ahead of further propulsion work, VEEM is proud to support this initiative as it continues to pursue measurable efficiency and emissions gains across its high-speed ferry operations.
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
Guide to the Net Zero Framework
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