75 Photo: BC Ferries goal by eliminating approximately 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. This will advance BC Ferries’ transition from hybrid to fully electric operations as renewable shore power infrastructure becomes more accessible.” BC Ferries is also planning to introduce a new, larger class of electric vessels. The five new ships will initially be diesel battery hybrids, utilising bio and renewable diesel alongside batteries, before being converted to full battery power once infrastructure has been developed sufficiently. “This represents the most flexible and financially viable option to futureproof the vessels for electrified service,” says Jimenez. “By utilising bio and renewable diesel initially, we’re able to minimise emissions now while preparing for all-electric operations as infrastructure evolves. This strategy not only aligns with our environmental commitments but also positions BC Ferries as a leader in sustainable maritime transportation.” Europe-based ferry line DFDS, on the other hand, is planning to have six battery electric ferries in operation by 2025, with the new vessels forming a significant part of its sustainability strategy. The operator is taking advantage of the relatively short distance of its cross-Channel routes between the UK and France to enable the use of fully electric vessels. “The vessels will operate on the Dunkirk-Dover and Calais-Dover routes, carrying passengers and freight between the UK and the European Union,” says Mathieu Giradin, executive vice president of the ferry division at DFDS. “Electrifying our cross-Channel fleet will be an important step towards meeting BC Ferries has six Island-class battery hybrid ferries in operation, with four more under construction
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