Ferry McFerryface chosen as name of new Sydney ferry

SYDNEY - Sydney has christened a new boat "Ferry McFerryface" on Tuesday, following a public vote that took inspiration from the joke name "Boaty McBoatface" picked in Britain for a polar research ship last year. The New South Wales government received more than 15,000 suggestions for six cross harbor vessels in a ferry-naming competition. The public's suggestions favored the more traditional custom of honoring respected local figures - with the most popular names including the late doctors Victor Chang and Fred Hollows, and gynecologist Catherine Hamlin. Next most popular was "Boaty McBoatface", followed by "Ferry McFerryface", the government said. "We asked Sydney to name their new ferries, and we have listened. Ferry McFerryface will be the harbor's newest icon, and I hope it brings a smile to the faces of visitors and locals alike," NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance said. "Given Boaty was already taken by another vessel, we've gone with the next most popular name nominated by Sydneysiders." The ferries, which will ply the harbors around Sydney, will carry up to 400 passengers. - AFP