By
Laura Hyde |
Damen Shipyards Group has floated out the newest Island-class ferry, the second of four currently under construction at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania, for Canadian operator, BC Ferries.
In July 2025, the Galati shipyard also marked the grand block assembly of the third vessel and the keel laying of the fourth. The Island-class vessels are based on the design of the Damen 8117 Electric Ferry (E3) and will include diesel-electric hybrid propulsion. Damen will also supply onshore charging equipment and will support BC Ferries during the vessels’ operational phase. BC Ferries intends to operate the ferries on fully electric power once the relevant electrical infrastructure is in place.
Damen is working with BC Ferries to modify the vessels currently under construction to reduce underwater radiated noise following a series of underwater noise measurements on the Island-class vessels already in operation.
“There’s been a lot of movement on the various Island-class vessels over the past few months and it’s very exciting for our team to see progress unfolding at such a rate,” said Leo Postma, executive director of global sales at Damen. “We continue to enjoy an excellent cooperation with BC Ferries. We are very grateful for the quality of this relationship, which is undoubtedly a significant factor in the ongoing success of the project.”
Once operational, the ferries will provide low-emissions transport for passengers between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island, and Campbell River and Quadra Island in British Columbia, Canada.