Damen Shipyards Group has awarded Corvus Energy the contract to supply Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for four new fully electric-capable ferries, expanding BC Ferries’ “Island Class” fleet. These vessels, part of BC Ferries’ sustainability push, will operate on British Columbia’s coastal routes by 2027.
BC Ferries currently has a contract with Damen Shipyards Group for the build and delivery of four Damen Road Ferries 8117 E3 design—known by BC Ferries as “Island Class” vessels. The fully electric capable ferries are scheduled for delivery by 2027 and will expand BC Ferries’ existing fleet of six hybrid diesel-electric Island Class ferries.
Corvus Energy, the leader in energy storage solutions for maritime applications, was selected to supply battery systems for the four new vessels—together totalling over 8 MWh of battery capacity cumulatively for the four systems. BC Ferries’ six Island Class vessels currently in operation are also equipped with Corvus Energy ESS.
Featuring the latest in advanced clean marine technology, the new Island Class ferries are electric-ready with the ability to operate on fully electric power, utilizing renewable shore power for battery charging. When the vessel is operating on electric power alone, it will not consume fuel and there will be zero shipboard emissions, benefiting the environment, passengers, and local communities at large.
The new vessels are planned to serve routes between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island, and Campbell River and Quadra Island. Each vessel will carry up to 390 passengers and 47 vehicles.
BC Ferries aims to be among the most sustainable large-scale ferry operators in the world and has been an early adopter of clean technology.
The new, fully electric capable Island Class ferries are part of BC Ferries’ broader strategy to reduce corporate emissions. According to BC Ferries’ Executive Director of Shipbuilding, Ed Hooper, the four electric ferries are expected to significantly reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions on two busy routes.
Corvus Energy provides battery power to more ferries than all other ESS providers combined. Beginning with the first zero-emission ferry, Ampere, Corvus Energy ESSs have been selected for more than 100 short-distance hybrid and all-electric ferries globally.
With global reach, Corvus Energy has Canadian roots. The company was originally founded in British Columbia and is today strongly present in Richmond, outside of Vancouver, with manufacturing facilities, sales, service and other key support functions. In addition, Richmond is Corvus’ hub for product development. Proximity to BC Ferries’ operations well positions Corvus to provide service and support to BC Ferries and other Canadian-based clients.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with BC Ferries and Damen Shipyards in providing battery solutions for BC Ferries’ Island Class vessels,” said Tor-Gunnar Hovig, Head of Region-Americas at Corvus Energy. “BC Ferries’ fully electric capable ferries will help to drive the transition to cleaner, greener ferry operations.”
The new Island Class ferries will be equipped with Corvus Orca ESS, the most installed marine energy storage system worldwide, used onboard over 700 maritime vessels around the world. Each ferry will be powered by a 2,034 kWh Corvus Orca system.
The Corvus Orca is well suited for short-distance ferry operations due to its high-performance specifications, including fast charging capabilities, its field proven design and patented safety features that exceed industry standards.
Working with Damen Shipyards Group, Dutch integrator Royal Van Der Leun, will lead the electrical integration of the Corvus battery systems for the new, electric capable Island Class vessels.
