Lloyd’s Register (LR) has secured a contract with Echo Marine Group to support the delivery of Western Australia’s first fully electric passenger ferries, as part of the METRONET Swan River Ferry Service Expansion in Perth.
The project, led by the Perth Transport Authority, will introduce five battery-electric vessels into operation, with the first ferry expected to enter service in 2027.
LR said the transition to battery-electric propulsion introduces new technical requirements, particularly around high-voltage systems, battery integration and compliance with evolving regulatory standards. The company has been involved from the early stages of the project to help define approval pathways and align vessel design with emerging frameworks for electric maritime transport.
Drawing on its experience from international electric and hybrid vessel programmes, LR is providing input on battery safety, system integration and operational performance. During construction, LR surveyors will be present in Perth to oversee the installation of propulsion systems, high-voltage cabling and safety-critical components.
Asif Ghauri, Account Manager, Marine – Australasia at Lloyd’s Register, said: “The strength of our long-standing relationship with Echo Marine Group has enabled us to move forward with confidence on this pioneering project. By combining local insight knowledge with regional and global expertise, we are providing end-to-end assurance that supports safety, compliance and innovation.”
Echo Marine Group highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity in deploying new technologies. “Our collaboration with Lloyd’s Register has been instrumental in reducing uncertainty around regulatory interpretation and safeguarding passenger safety, vessel efficiency, and delivery timelines,” said Project Manager Anthony Livanos. “As governments across Australia and New Zealand accelerate decarbonisation efforts, this project showcases how close cooperation between owner, builder and class can successfully bring new technology into service.”