By
Rebecca Gibson |
Damen Shipyard has launched BC Ferries’ third hybrid-powered Island Class ferry at its yard in Romania.
Damen will continue to work on the yet-to-be-named vessel until February 2021, when it will undergo sea trials. The ferry will then travel to Point Hope Maritime in Victoria, Canada in summer 2021 for final preparations, before beginning service on the route between Campbell River and Quadra Island (Quathiaski Cove) in 2022.
The newbuild is one of six Island Class ferries that will be joining BC Ferries’ Canada-based fleet by 2022. Damen has already delivered the first two vessels, which began service in mid-2020, operating on the routes between Powell River and Texada Island, as well as between Port McNeill, Alert Bay and Sointula Island. A fourth newbuild will be added to the Campbell River to Quadra Island route in 2022, while the fifth and sixth new ships will provide two-ship service between Nanaimo Harbour and Gabriola Island in 2022. By replacing one larger ship with two smaller vessels on each of these routes, BC Ferries will be able to increase passenger capacity and provide more frequent crossings, which will reduce vehicle congestion.
All six ships will have hybrid power systems that use batteries and low-sulphur diesel fuel to improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions. When electric charging technology matures to produce electricity in the required quantities, they will operate as all-electric ferries.
In addition, the vessels will be equipped with various other green technologies, such as twin propellers to reduce underwater radiated noise, a system that enables wasted thermal energy to heat the vessels, and an exhaust system with selective catalytic reduction to decrease nitrogen oxide emissions. They will also have low-friction and biofouling-resistant hull coatings to cut fuel consumption and LED lighting.
Each ferry will be able to accommodate up to 400 passengers and crew members, as well as at least 47 vehicles.