Culture

NSW Transport Is Letting The Public Name Six New Ferries, Let The Wild Rumpus Start

What could possibly go wrong!

by Sinead Stubbins  22 July 2016

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Since the world was robbed of the fine ship Boaty McBoatface, we’ve been looking for another vessel on which we can lay our hopes for the future, and laugh at every time a serious man in a suit has to say its name. Today our prayers have been answered, with the announcement that NSW Transport is inviting the public to name their new fleet of Sydney Harbour ferries. This should be fun!

Apparently everyone can suggest names that fit into the categories of Arts and Culture, Science, Environment and Innovation and Sydney Harbour Connection and then these will be shortlisted and voted for by the public. A panel of four people will decide which names make the shortlist, including this loose unit named Patrick.

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Patrick does not mess around when it comes to the business of ferries.

Quick question — can I vote to name a ferry ‘Patrick’, because he’s the best and I love him? Patrick was the 2012 NSW Volunteer of the Year and seemingly, a ferry enthusiast. In the video, another man named Kevin very seriously explains that these ferries could exist for 40 years, so the names that the public suggests should be “relevant and exciting for at least a couple of generations”. Kevin, I think, is already freaking out a little bit.

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“I’ve made a huge mistake.”

So what are the public’s preliminary thoughts about this novel exercise? Well, in a surprising twist of events, many of them want to name at least one ferry Boaty McBoatface! (‘Fuck Mike Baird’ also seems to be a popular choice, but it’s unclear which category that would fit into.)

Ahh, democracy at work. You can suggest a name here and the public vote will begin on August 18. Our suggestion is ‘Shannon Noll’, but we’ll leave the decision up to you.