Under a contract with BC Ferries, Damen Shipyards Group has selected Corvus Energy to supply energy storage systems (ESS) for four new, fully electric capable passenger/car ferries currently under construction.
Once delivered, they will join BC Ferries’ fleet of hybrid electric ‘Island’ class vessels.
BC Ferries contracted Damen Shipyards Group to build and deliver four Damen Road Ferries 8117 E3 design.
The ferries are due to be delivered by 2027 and will join BC Ferries’ existing fleet of six hybrid diesel-electric ‘Island’ class ferries.
Corvus Energy will supply battery systems for the four new vessels together totaling over 8 MWh of battery capacity.
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 class are electric-ready with the ability to operate on fully electric power, utilising renewable shore power for battery charging.
When a vessel is operating on electric power alone, it will not consume fuel, therefore there will be zero shipboard emissions, benefiting the environment, passengers, and local communities.
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 world’ most sustainable large-scale ferry operators 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,” said BC Ferries’ Executive Director of Shipbuilding, Ed Hooper, adding that the four electric ferries are expected to significantly reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions on two busy routes.
Corvus Energy said that it provided 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.
The company’s proximity to BC Ferries’ operations 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, Corvus Energy’s Head of Region-Americas.
“BC Ferries’ fully electric capable ferries will help to drive the transition to cleaner, greener ferry operations.”
Each ferry will be powered by a 2,034 kWh Corvus Orca system, which is claimed to be 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 head up the electrical integration of the Corvus battery systems on board the vessels.
