By
Alex Smith |
Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania has launched the latest Island-class ferry for BC Ferries, the first in an order of four-battery-equipped diesel-hybrid vessels.
In the same week, the yard also carried out the keel-laying of the third vessel in the order, followed by the steel-cutting for the fourth. BC Ferries’ executive director of shipbuilding Ed Hooper visited the shipyard to mark the milestones, welding the ceremonial coin to the hull during the keel-laying and joining the celebrations for the steel cutting and launch milestones.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate these milestones with the team at Damen Shipyards Galati this week,” said Hooper. “The Island class is now our largest single class of vessels, and they’re a critical part of our larger effort to renew and modernise our entire fleet to meet the needs of the people in British Columbia who rely on BC Ferries every single day.”
Ed Hooper, BC Ferries’ executive director of shipbuilding, welded the ceremonial coin during the keel-laying
The Canadian Ambassador to Romania, Gavin Buchan, also attended the launch ceremony.
“It is a real pleasure to be here today at Damen Shipyards Galati for the launch of this vessel destined for BC Ferries,” said Buchan. “Canada’s engagement with Damen Galati dates back more than a decade and over the years, this relationship has grown stronger, built on mutual trust, a commitment to technical excellence and a shared vision for innovation in shipbuilding.”
The ferries will be capable of operating exclusively on electric power once charging infrastructure is in place at the terminals. They will connect four coastal communities in British Columbia, Canada, operating between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island and Campbell River and Quadra Island.
The vessels will transport up to 47 vehicles and 390 passengers, recharging during embarkation and disembarkation using renewable energy. Damen is also supplying the onshore charging equipment to BC Ferries, with delivery scheduled for 2027. The company will then continue to provide support for the ferries from its Canadian Service Hub in Victoria, Canada.
A steel-cutting ceremony officially began construction on the fourth ship in BC Ferries’ order