Cracks have been discovered in a new vessel that is replacing the Manly ferries on Sydney Harbour.
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Minor defects were found last week in the Balmoral, a Gen 2 Emerald-class vessel, a spokesman for Sydney Ferries operator Transdev confirmed on Tuesday.
The Balmoral is one of three Gen 2 ferries introduced to replace two retired Freshwater ferries taking passengers between Circular Quay and Mosman.
The first of the three was brought into service on October 31 and started carrying passengers on November 10.
An independent maritime surveyor is investigating the defects.
The Transdev spokesman said the surveyor's report found the welding defects were minor and isolated, and did not compromise the overall structural integrity of the vessel.
The NSW opposition is calling for the immediate release of the report.
"The government cannot hide behind the private operator ... The people of NSW deserve to know the truth about the government's failed Manly ferry purchase," said Shadow Transport Minister Jo Haylen.
The Balmoral returned to service on Monday after it was trialled that morning.
The spokesman said welding defects in aluminium boats are very common and don't affect their operation.
Labor has criticised the government over the ferries, which it says have been beset with design and operational problems
The ferries are reportedly unable to safely carry passengers across Sydney Harbour in large swells.
The opposition is also unhappy the ferries were built overseas and have a lower capacity than the Queenscliff ferries.
Ms Haylen said passengers across Sydney were paying the price for "failed transport procurement policies".
"Whether it's cracked Manly ferries or cracked inner west light rail trams, passengers are now faced with more cancellations, delays and longer journeys," she said.
""Billions of dollars have been spent, thousands of jobs have been sent offshore, and all we have to show for it is shoddy, overseas built transport infrastructure that is now literally falling apart."
AAP has contacted Transport Minister Rob Stokes and Transport for NSW for comment.
Australian Associated Press
