Ferry operator denies in path of cruise ship

The operator of Sydney's ferries has denied that a new vessel was in the path of a cruise ship in Sydney Harbour when it suffered a steering failure.

Three catamaran ferries have been withdrawn from service after the Fairlight vessel was travelling from Manly to Circular Quay just before 5 pm on Monday.

Transdev's managing director Loretta Lynch told ABC Radio Sydney there was no risk to passengers.

The master immediately slowed the ferry and switched to backup steering, which takes only a few seconds, regained full control of the vessel and made sure what the issue was, she said.

He decided that it was best to return the vessel to the wharf. He dropped off the passengers. Ms Lynch disputed media reports that the Fairlight had been in the intended path of a cruise ship leaving Sydney Harbour.

Ms Lynch said the vessels had been pulled from service as a precaution while the cause of the steering problem was investigated.

The Clontarf suffered a failure on Sunday, and it is the second steering problem to hit the new Emerald Class fleet within a few days.

Since the three new ferries began operating in November last year, Ms Lynch said it was a rare event.

There have been two incidents a week, but very few of them have been in service since they've been in service. She said there were only three of this kind.

Maritime Union of Australia deputy secretary Paul Garrett said there was no such thing as a safe steering failure Sooner rather than later, good luck will run out, and it'll fail in a close space quarters situation, and there'll be a collision with the wharf or another vessel.

He said that there should be an independent safety investigation into issues with the second-generation Emerald Class ferries, with questions about their ability to handle large swells.

Transdev said the ferries had been cleared to operate within the Sydney Heads.

There is no risk outside of very large swells and no ferry will go through the larger swells, Ms Lynch said.

The union wants the four old Freshwater-class ferries to be returned to service immediately.

If the next election takes place in March, the NSW Opposition will bring back the iconic Manly ferries on weekdays.

Ms Lynch said that the 40-year-old ferries, two of which are used on weekends and public holidays, still had a place on the Harbour, but commuters were enjoying the change.

She said that our new vessels have been a huge hit with the commuters who are really enjoying that fast and frequent service.

Two services between Circular Quay and Manly were cancelled on Monday because of the steering problem, but services are close to the timetable.

Ms Lynch apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers.