Auckland Leads the Way with First Megawatt Charging System for Electric Ferries
New Zealand’s largest city is pioneering a shift towards sustainable maritime transport with the commissioning of a cutting-edge charging infrastructure, setting a global precedent for electric ferry technology.
Auckland has become the first city in New Zealand to commission a Megawatt Charging System (MCS) for electric ferries, marking a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and modernizing its public transportation network. The new infrastructure, located at Half Moon Bay, is a key component of a broader electrification program designed to transform Auckland’s ferry system.
Addressing a Significant Carbon Footprint
Currently, Auckland’s ferry fleet generates approximately 15,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. This new charging system offers a scalable, zero-emission alternative to traditional diesel-powered vessels, promising substantial environmental benefits. Beyond emission reductions, the transition to electric ferries is expected to deliver quieter operations and increased efficiency.
The initial phase of the project focuses on two key locations: the operational Half Moon Bay facility and the Downtown Ferry Terminal, slated for completion in the coming years. These sites will form the essential infrastructure backbone for Auckland’s inaugural electric passenger ferry service, connecting East Auckland with the city center.
Technical Specifications and Innovative Design
The system utilizes ABB’s Megawatt Charging System technology, boasting two 1.65MW charging plugs and a combined capacity of 3.3MW. This powerful capability enables rapid ferry charging, minimizing turnaround times at the terminal. Singer Electric spearheaded the engineering and local delivery, overseeing the design, installation, compliance, and ferry-side integration.
A central element of the installation is a pre-fabricated, containerized eHouse constructed by Entec. This self-contained unit houses critical components – transformers, rectifiers, switchgear, and cooling systems – within a secure, weatherproof environment. “It’s all pre-tested and wired up before it arrives. From an install perspective, you just crane it in, connect the feeds, and you’re good to go. That means faster installs, less disruption to the site, and much less risk,” explained a senior official at Singer Electric.
The eHouse design also reflects a commitment to cultural sensitivity, incorporating input from the local Iwi, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, to ensure the lighting and aesthetic elements harmonize with the surrounding wharf environment and community expectations.
A Collaborative Partnership for Decarbonization
The project represents a successful collaboration between multiple organizations. Auckland Transport is the commissioner and owner, ABB provided the MCS hardware, Singer Electric managed integration and installation, Entec built the eHouse, and Zinus supplied the onboard charging systems for the ferries.
This isn’t the first time Singer Electric and ABB have partnered on large-scale electrification projects in New Zealand, having previously collaborated on electric bus depots. “ABB’s gear is world-class – and they’ve led the charge in MCS technology globally. But bringing that into a real port environment takes local know-how. That’s where we come in,” stated a representative from Singer Electric. The company emphasized its commitment to simplifying the decarbonization process for both businesses and public sector clients, streamlining project management across networks, standards, marine regulations, engineering, procurement, and construction.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Global Interest
The Half Moon Bay charger is currently undergoing rigorous real-world testing to evaluate performance metrics such as thermal regulation, component durability, and power demand. The modular, containerized design has already garnered international attention, with inquiries received from locations including Spain, highlighting its adaptability for various ports and commercial settings.
Further expansion is planned, with additional chargers scheduled for installation at the Downtown Terminal in 2026 and 2027. Ongoing testing at Half Moon Bay will provide valuable insights to inform the expansion of electric ferry operations.
“The Half Moon Bay deployment has proven that this system is both technically robust and operationally practical,” affirmed Nathan Cammock, Programme Director of the Low Emission Ferry Programme at Auckland Transport, signaling a promising future for sustainable maritime transport in the region and beyond.
