Damen Shipyards Galati has launched a new Island Class-ferry for BC Ferries, marking the first of four battery-equipped, diesel-hybrid vessels scheduled for delivery. Damen noted in a press release that the May 22 launch adds a seventh Damen-built vessel to the Canadian operator’s fleet.
The new ferries are designed to operate on electric power once Damen’s terminal charging infrastructure is installed. The four vessels will serve the routes between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island and between Campbell River and Quadra Island. Damen said charging will occur during loading and unloading using renewable energy sources.
The vessels are Damen’s RoRo 8117 E3 model. Each vessel in the series is designed to carry up to 47 vehicles and 390 passengers.
According to Leo Postma, executive director of global sales for Damen, the shipyard in Galati also marked two other construction milestones during the same week: the keel laying for the ninth Island Class vessel and the steel cutting for the tenth.
Ed Hooper, executive director of shipbuilding for BC Ferries, was present at the yard to weld the commemorative coin during the keel-laying ceremony.
