By
Alex Smith |
Damen Shpyards Group has cut first steel on the first two of four fully electric Island-class ferries it is building for Canadian operator BC Ferries at its Romanian shipyard, Damen Shipyards Galati.
The ferries will be the first fully electric vessels to be introduced to BC Ferries’ fleet, operating with battery packs with capacity to supply the power train with 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Based on Damen’s double-ended ro-ro 8113 E3 model, they will be capable of carrying up to 47 vehicles and 390 passengers.
Damen will also supply BC Ferries with the required charging towers for the vessels. The ferries will recharge during the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers using renewable electricity.
BC Ferries was represented at the steel cutting ceremony by David Tolman, project program manager, and Ed Hooper, executive director of shipbuilding.
“These vessels represent a significant advancement in our fleet renewal efforts, aligning with our strategic vision for operational excellence and sustainability,” said Hooper. “The start of construction brings us one step closer to realising the benefits these vessels will bring to our customers and the communities that rely on us to get them where they need to go.”
The ferries will be constructed at Damen’s shipyard in Romania, Damen Shipyards Galati.
The addition of the vessels to BC Ferries’ fleet is intended to support its goal of reducing its emissions by 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents by 2030. Damen has stated that it aims to become the most sustainable maritime solutions provider.
“We are thankful for the trust that BC ferries has shown to Damen with this new contract for another four vessels,” said Mark Vermeulen, managing director of offshore and specialised vessels at Damen Shipyards Group. “Damen has already built six vessels with hybrid propulsion for BC ferries. This project with fully electric vessels is a step towards zero emissions ferries for the future – an achievement aligned with the sustainability goals of both BC Ferries and Damen.”
The four Island-class ferries will enter service by 2027, operating routes in Canada connecting Nanaimo with Gabriola Island and Campbell River with Quadra Island.