Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance has asked people to help name the city’s six new ferries, the first of which will hit the water this summer.

Australian ship builders Incat have already started work on the new ferry fleet in Tasmania.

Each vessel will increase capacity, carrying up to 400 customers and operate on the Inner Harbour.

“This is an Australian first, we’re opening up naming suggestions to the public and six of those names will take a place in Sydney’s history forever,” Mr Constance said.

From today until August 11, anyone can put forward suggestions which will be considered by a four person panel. The panel comprises Director and Chief executive of the Australian National Maritime Museum Kevin Sumption, former NSW Volunteer of the Year Patrick Dodd, NSW Young Australian of the Year Melissa Abu-Gazaleh and Director and Chief Executive of the Australian Museum Kim McKay.

All suggestions should fall within one of three distinct categories: Arts and Culture, Connections to Sydney Harbour or Science, Environment and Innovation.

Names will be judged on originality and the connection they have with NSW. Suggestions deemed unsuitable for any category will not be considered. Five names have already been placed inside each category to provide inspiration for prospective participants.

Once submissions close, the panel will add the most fitting nine names to each category, which will be put to a public vote from late August.

“The new fleet will quickly become part of the Harbour vista for locals and visitors, and we need the names to reflect Sydney and NSW,” Mr Constance said.

Participants who make naming suggestions are encouraged to register their details online for their chance to win one of 50 family passes to take a ride on one of the new ferries with the selection panel. People are encouraged to share their suggestions in social media by using the hashtag #yourferry as well as tagging @TransportforNSW on Instagram.

Visit www.nameyourferry.com.au to take part.