Photo: Red Funnel Ferries Electrifying progress Rapid advancements in battery technology have enabled global ferry operators to place it at the centre of their strategies for building sustainable fleets. Alex Smith finds out more from ferry executives With sustainability at the top of the agenda for passenger shipping operators, many are considering alternative forms of propulsion that have the potential to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of the industry. From biofuels to wind power, there are a wide variety of options currently being explored by operators across the world. Taking the lead, however, is battery power. While batteries would once have been unable to provide sufficient capacity for even short-distance shipping routes without being prohibitively expensive, rapid development has taken today’s technology to the point that ferry operators are making batterypowered vessels a central part of their plans for their future fleets. In Canada, BC Ferries has been a leader in introducing battery electric vessels, with six hybrid batteryelectric vessels already in service. The Island-class ferries are designed to operate entirely on battery power, with diesel engines retained to give them the flexibility to also operate on routes without necessary charging infrastructure. Four more Island-class ferries are under construction, with the first scheduled to be delivered in 2027. “BC Ferries’ fully electric vessels are a critical part of the company’s broader strategy to reduce corporate emissions by 2030,” says Nicolas Jimenez, CEO of BC Ferries. “The four new Island-class vessels, scheduled to begin arriving in British Columbia by 2027, will contribute to this FEATURE 74 The Artemis EF-24 electric foiling ferry will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 4,150 tonnes
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