BC Ferries’ new battery-powered ship touches water at Damen Galati yard

Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania, a part of the Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group, has launched the newest Island class ferry for BC Ferries, a Canadian ferry company. The ferry was launched on the Danube River on May 22, 2025. This vessel is the first in a series of four diesel-hybrid ferries equipped with batteries that BC Ferries ordered in January 2024. The ferries will be able to operate solely on electric power once charging infrastructure is set up at the terminals. They will link four coastal communities in British Columbia, running between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island, as well as Campbell River and Quadra Island. These ferries have a capacity to carry up to 47 vehicles and 390 passengers, recharging with renewable energy during passenger boarding and disembarkation.

On May 23, the ninth and tenth Island class vessels also reached significant milestones. The shipyard carried out the keel laying for the ninth vessel and began cutting steel for the tenth. Leo Post, Executive Director of Global Sales, expressed excitement over the progress of these sustainable ferries. BC Ferries’ Executive Director of Shipbuilding, Ed Hooper, emphasized the importance of the Island Class vessels in renewing and modernizing the fleet to meet the needs of British Columbia residents who rely on BC Ferries daily. The Canadian Ambassador to Romania, Gavin Buchan, highlighted the existing and future collaboration between Damen Galati and Canada.

Apart from the vessels, Damen is also providing charging equipment for BC Ferries onshore. The four Island class vessels under construction will be delivered in two phases, with the first two expected in British Columbia by spring 2026 and the remaining two by fall 2026, all set to be in service by 2027. The Island class is the largest vessel class in BC Ferries, with six in operation and four more being built. These vessels play a crucial role in BC Ferries’ strategy to reduce emissions, decrease underwater noise, and enhance inter-island connectivity. Once terminal infrastructure is in place, the battery-equipped Island class vessels are designed for full electric operation. BC Ferries is collaborating with BC Hydro to install rapid charging infrastructure at the terminals, with Nanaimo Harbour expected to be electrified by summer 2026 and the remaining terminals by early 2027.