Damen Cuts First Steel on Four Full Electric Ferries for BC Ferries
[By: Damen Shipyards Group]
Damen Shipyards Group has celebrated a milestone moment for maritime sustainability at its Romanian yard, Damen Shipyards Galati. On 16 July, the yard cut first steel on the first two of four, fully electric Island Class Ferries that it is building for Canada-based BC Ferries. The ferries will be the first fully electric vessels to operate in the company’s fleet.
Operating with battery packs with the capacity to supply the power train with 2,000 kilowatt-hour of electricity, the vessels will carry up to 47 vehicles and 390 passengers.
Complete maritime solution
As a complete maritime solutions provider, Damen will also supply BC Ferries with the required charging towers. The ferries will recharge efficiently during (dis)embarkation of passengers, using renewable electricity.
The vessels are based on Damen’s double-ended RoRo 8113 E3 model. The design features Damen’s in-house quality label E3, standing for Environmentally Friendly, Efficient in Operation and Economically Viable.
Growing Damen ferry fleet
The commonality of the design offers BC Ferries a number of advantages. Amongst these is the increasing standardisation and interoperability of the fleet, which makes deployment and training of crew more efficient. The ferries will take the number of Damen vessels in the BC Ferries fleet to ten. Representing BC Ferries at the steel cutting ceremony were Project Program Manager David Tolman and Executive Director Shipbuilding Ed Hooper, who said, “These vessels represent a significant advancement in our fleet renewal efforts, aligning with our strategic vision for operational excellence and sustainability. 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.”
Mark Vermeulen, Damen’s Managing Director Offshore & Specialised Vessels, said, “We are thankful for the trust that BC ferries has shown to Damen with this new contract for another four vessels. Damen has already built six vessels with hybrid propulsion for BC ferries. This project with full 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.”
Superior travel experience
BC Ferries is committed to delivering a superior travel experience while upholding its responsibility to the environment. The organisation is supporting British Columbia’s CleanBC goals and aims to reduce emissions by 10,000 tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030. Damen has set itself the goal to become the most sustainable maritime solutions provider.
The ferries will operate services connecting Nanaimo with Gabriola Island, and Campbell River with Quadra Island. They are scheduled to commence operations by 2027.
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.
Washington State Ferries New Partnership for Hybrid-Electric Vessels
[By: Washington State Ferries]
Washington State Ferries has a new partner coming aboard for its journey to zero emissions by 2050, contracting with marine technology electrification experts ABB to support the design and construction of five new hybrid-electric, 160-auto-capacity ferries.
ABB will select and integrate the technology that will power the new vessels, from the engine and batteries to the propellers. They will design a complete propulsion system, oversee the timely delivery of equipment, and offer expertise in equipment installation and commissioning.
In late May, WSF invited shipyards across the country to bid on construction for the five new ferries. The contract award to one or potentially two shipbuilders is expected in early 2025, with delivery of the first two vessels expected in 2028.
“Big picture, this contract with ABB is about rebuilding our fleet and restoring reliable service to our customers,” said Matt von Ruden, WSF system electrification program administrator. “ABB’s specialized knowledge and expertise helps reduce risk and ensure performance in the design, construction and delivery of our new hybrid-electric ferries.”
ABB will also play a critical role in training WSF’s crews on the operation and maintenance of these new systems.
“This partnership highlights our shared vision for sustainability and our dedication to pioneering advanced technologies that drive the industry forward,” said Drew Orvieto, VP of Sales, Americas at ABB Marine & Ports. “We look forward to supporting WSF in their mission to provide cleaner, more efficient ferry services for the communities they serve.”
WSF leading change in the maritime industry
WSF is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and the biggest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions among Washington state agencies, burning 19 million gallons of diesel fuel to transport tens of millions of passengers every year. Electrifying the ferry system will drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare Washington for a changing climate. The electrification program will:
- Retrofit six current diesel ferries to hybrid electric.
- Build 16 new hybrid vessels.
- Retire 13 diesel ferries.
- Add charging power to 16 terminals.
While WSF is one of the first and largest ferry systems in the U.S. to electrify ferries, ferry operators throughout northern Europe have converted more than 70 ferries to hybrid-electric power since 2015.
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.
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