In September 2017, Transport for NSW called for expressions of interest for four new ferries for Parramatta River ferry services.

[1] However, after the bids were higher than expected, the project was shelved.

[3] The first four arrived in Newcastle in August 2020 for final works and trials.

[7] In late 2022 the government announced it was looking for tenders to build a new fleet of Parramatta River-class ferries to replace the RiverCat-class ferries A number of issues and defects on the ferries, totalling 43, delayed the service commencement dates by well over a year.[when?]

Identified issues and delays on the ferries included the presence of asbestos, sub-standard fit and finish, wheelhouse window angles making night operations dangerous, engine stalling, potential of fires or electrocution caused by sub standard electrical equipment and sub-standard steering components.