Damen Launches Second Electric-Ready Island Class Ferry for BC Ferries
Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group has launched the latest Island class, fully electric-ready ferry for Canada’s ferry operator BC Ferries.
This vessel is the second of four electric Island class ferries currently under construction at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania. Once operational, these vessels will deliver low-emission ferry services, connecting coastal communities along the coast of British Columbia.
Eighth Island Class Ferry for BC Ferries
The newly launched ferry marks the eighth Island class unit Damen has built for the Canadian operator. The Island class is based on the Damen 8117 Electric Ferry (E3) design.
The Galati shipyard has been especially active in recent weeks. In early July, the yard completed two major milestones on the same day:
- The grand block assembly of the ninth vessel, and
- The keel laying of the tenth vessel.
These ferries will serve routes between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island, as well as Campbell River and Quadra Island.
Hybrid Propulsion with Future-Ready Electric Conversion
Damen is equipping the vessels with diesel-electric hybrid propulsion systems. Once the necessary onshore electrical infrastructure is in place, BC Ferries intends to operate them on 100% electric power.
“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. 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,”
— Leo Postma, Executive Director Global Sales, Damen
Enhanced Support and Sustainable Design
Damen is also supplying onshore charging equipment and will continue providing support through its BC-based Service Hub during the vessels’ operational lifecycle.
In line with BC Ferries’ Long Term Underwater Radiated Noise Management Plan, the four Island class vessels currently under construction are being modified to reduce underwater radiated noise. Damen and BC Ferries collaborated on underwater noise measurements using existing Island class vessels to inform improvements.
As a result, Damen—alongside its suppliers—implemented several enhancements:
- Hull drag reduction, tested via towing tank trials and CFD simulations
- A quieter, more efficient propeller blade design integrated into the vessels’ propulsion systems
These adaptations aim to minimize impacts on marine life, especially the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale, a key focus in BC Ferries’ environmental commitments.
