Damen Shipyards Galati cut steel on the third 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 organisation’s fleet. They will bring the total number of Damen vessels operated by BC Ferries to ten.

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 tonnes of CO₂equivalent annually.The ferries carry Damen’s in-house E3 notation, which stands for Environmentally Friendly, Efficient in Operation, and Economically Viable.

Vessels evolving to client needs

The steel cutting ceremony was attended by David Tolman, BC Ferries’ Program Manager for the Island Class series of vessels, as well as BC Ferries’ on-site team. Representatives from Damen, including Damen Shipyards Group Chairman Kommer Damen, were also in attendance.

From left to right: Ryan Tuira (Project Manager BC Ferries), Kommer Damen (Damen Shipyards Group Chairman), David Tolman (Program Manager BC Ferries), Darryl Dunbar (Project Engineer BC Ferries), Darren Wilson (Project Engineer BC Ferries), Dragos Cojocariu (Project Manager Damen Galati)

Speaking during the event, Mr Damen said, “It is a pleasure to attend this milestone event, together with our client. 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. These fully electric ferries prepare the ground for zero emissions operations, bringing BC Ferries’ efficiency goals within reach.”

From left to right: Dragos Cojocariu and Ovidiu Romaniuc (Bureau Veritas representative) are signing the Attestation of Start Cutting

Ed Hooper, Executive Director of Shipbuilding at BC Ferries, said, “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. Each stage of construction brings us closer to delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient vessels that align with our commitment to serving coastal communities.”

From left to right: Darren Wilson (Project Engineer BC Ferries), Darryl Dunbar (Project Engineer BC Ferries), Daan Verbeek (Trainee  sales Americas, Damen), Dragos, Richard Tijpens (Projectmanager Damen), David Tolman (Program Manager BC Ferries), Valentin Chiosea (Project Manager Damen Galati) and Ryan Tuira (Project Manager BC Ferries)

Total solution

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.

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.

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.