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On Jan. 16, Damen Shipyards Galati cut steel on the third 266'x55' vessel in an order of four Island Class Ferries from Canada’s BC Ferries.
At the same time, another vessel in the series reached the grand block assembly stage of construction at the yard. The vessels, based on Damen’s double-ended 8117 E3 ferry, will be the first fully electric ferries to sail in the organization’s fleet. They will bring the total number of Damen vessels operated by BC Ferries to 10.
Enabling sustainable ambitions, BC Ferries’ fully electric vessels are 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 tons of CO2 equivalent annually, officials said.
The ferries carry Damen’s in-house E3 notation, which stands for environmentally friendly, efficient in operation, and economically viable.
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.
Each vessel will have a pair of 1,500-kW generators and an 800-kWh bank of Corvus lithiumion batteries.
“It is a pleasure to attend this milestone event, together with our client,” Kommer Damen, Damen Shipyards group chairman said in a statement announcing the steel cutting ceremony. “The long-standing relationship we have with BC Ferries is a prime example of how Damen works to support its customers. 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,” Damen continued. “These fully electric ferries prepare the ground for zero emissions operations, bringing BC Ferries’ efficiency goals within reach.”
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.
“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,” said Ed Hooper, executive director of shipbuilding at BC Ferries. “Each stage of construction brings us closer to delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient vessels that align with our commitment to serving coastal communities.”
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.
No additional specifications were released.
