Damen: Steel cut for BC Ferries’ third fully electric vessel

Romania-based Damen Shipyards Galati, a subsidiary of Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group, has cut the first steel on the third all-electric Island-class vessel ordered by Canadian ferry operator BC Ferries.

At the same time, another vessel in the series reached the grand block assembly stage of construction at the yard, Damen said.

To remind, the shipyard held a keel laying ceremony for the first two of four Island-class ships in early November 2024.

The vessels, based on Damen’s double-ended 8117 E3 ferry, will be ‘the first’ fully electric ferries to sail in the BC Ferries’ fleet.

Able to transport up to 390 passengers and 47 vehicles, the four ferries will operate between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island and Campbell River and Quadra Island, entering service by 2027.

“Reaching the steel cutting and grand block assembly milestones for two of our four new Island Class vessels is a great signal of the progress being made towards welcoming these new electric vessels into our fleet. Each stage of construction brings us closer to delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient vessels that align with our commitment to serving coastal communities,” Ed Hooper, Executive Director of Shipbuilding at BC Ferries, commented.

In May 2024, the Canadian ferry operator secured a $75 million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) to fund the purchase of the four zero-emission ferries and install the required charging infrastructure.

The newbuilds are said to be a ‘critical’ part of the company’s broader strategy to reduce corporate emissions by 2030. The four new electric ferries will contribute to this goal by eliminating approximately 10,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually.

Moreover, the ferries carry Damen’s in-house E3 notation, which stands for Environmentally Friendly, Efficient in Operation, and Economically Viable.

“BC Ferries operates a number of Damen Ferries, based on proven standard designs, and adapted to their evolving needs. The vessels we are building demonstrate increasing sustainability. Previously, we have delivered hybrid propulsion vessels, already representing a step towards lower emissions. These fully electric ferries prepare the ground for zero emissions operations, bringing BC Ferries’ efficiency goals within reach,” Kommer Damen, Damen Shipyards Group Chairman, said.

In addition to the vessels, Damen is also providing BC Ferries with the charging towers. The ferries will recharge their batteries between services, as passengers are embarking and disembarking.

Damen Shipyards Galati currently has six fully electric ferries under contract for Canada; the four Island-class vessels, plus two ferries for the city of Toronto.

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