Two Sydney ferries, Ruth Park and Lauren Jackson, recently experienced mechanical issues within days of each other. The Ruth Park ferry suffered from a faulty component that caused the vessel to unexpectedly veer to starboard and then to port while sailing along the Parramatta River near the Gladesville Bridge. Transdev, the operator of the ferry fleet, stated that the issue was resolved by replacing the faulty component, and the vessel is set to return to service following successful sea trials. It was confirmed that the incident was not the result of a steering failure, but rather a combination of the mechanical issue and wash created by another passing vessel. After ensuring the safe disembarkment of the two passengers on board, the Ruth Park was taken out of service for inspection.
On the other hand, the Lauren Jackson ferry experienced a problem with its steering indicators near Barangaroo wharf in Sydney’s CBD. The freezing of the steering indicators on March 31 necessitated a system reset, after which the vessel was successfully returned to service. Just like with the Ruth Park incident, the Lauren Jackson was taken out of service immediately after the issue was identified. Following an assessment and the resetting of the indication system, the vessel was back in operation without any reported issues. Both incidents occurred during pre-starts with no passengers on board, ensuring that the safety of passengers was not compromised during these mechanical faults.
Transdev, the operator of the state government-owned ferry fleet, indicated that there was an investigation into the Ruth Park incident, which determined that the problem was solely due to a faulty component rather than a steering failure. The French company emphasized that safety remains a top priority, with the immediate removal of the affected vessels from service until the issues were resolved. The replacement of the faulty component on the Ruth Park and the successful resetting of the indication system on the Lauren Jackson demonstrate a proactive approach to ensuring the operational integrity of the ferry fleet.
The Ruth Park ferry was tied up at the Balmain shipyard following the mechanical issue, indicating that the vessel was undergoing inspection and repairs before being cleared for service. The company stated that successful sea trials were conducted after the faulty component was replaced, ensuring that the vessel is fit for operation. With both the Ruth Park and the Lauren Jackson back in service and no reported incidents since the mechanical faults were addressed, it appears that the necessary measures were taken promptly to rectify the issues and ensure the safety and reliability of the fleet.
The occurrences of mechanical faults on two Sydney ferries within a short timeframe may raise concerns about the maintenance and reliability of the vessels in the state’s fleet. However, the swift response from Transdev in addressing the issues, conducting thorough investigations, and ensuring the safe return of the ferries to service demonstrate a commitment to safety and operational integrity. The prompt removal of the affected vessels from service, the replacement of faulty components, and the successful resetting of systems indicate a proactive approach to maintenance and risk management within the ferry fleet. As these incidents are investigated further and preventative measures are implemented, passengers can have confidence in the ongoing safety of the ferry services provided in Sydney.
