ABB has been chosen to supply a complete package of power, propulsion and control technology for four new double-ended passenger and car ferries operated by British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries).
One of the largest ferry operators, BC Ferries provides year-round vehicle and passenger service on 25 routes to 47 terminals, carrying approximately 9.7m vehicles and 22.7m passengers annually. Demand on the ferry system is expected to increase as the province’s population is forecast to grow 44% by 2046.
The hybrid-electric ferries, which will replace four end-of-life vessels, are part of the BC Ferries’ new major vessels programme, aimed at delivering safe, environmentally sustainable and reliable operations in and around the Strait of Georgia, the body of water separating Vancouver Island from the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
Scheduled for delivery beginning in 2029 from China Merchants Industry Weihai (CMI Weihai) Shipyard, the vessels will be equipped with ABB’s gearless, steerable Azipod electric propulsion. The system is said to offer proven reliability thanks to significantly fewer moving parts than mechanical thrusters, while the propeller design helps reduce underwater radiated noise (URN). This helps safeguard at-risk species, such as the Southern Resident killer whale, and preserve one of the most biologically rich marine ecosystems.
ABB’s Onboard DC Grid power distribution system will serve as the backbone for efficient energy flow, minimising conversion losses and enabling higher overall system efficiency and lower emissions than comparable propulsion arrangements.
Each ferry will be equipped to accommodate up to 70 MWh of battery energy storage. This enables efficient hybrid operations today and supports a future shift to fully electric, zero-emission service. The hybrid configuration uses biofuel or renewable diesel and continuously balances energy between generators and batteries. Each vessel can connect to a high-capacity shore charging system rated above 60MW for full electric operation. This system is believed to be more than 100 times more powerful than the fastest public electric vehicle charging stations in North America, which typically deliver up to 500kW per plug. This high-capacity charging supports fast turnaround in port and enables the transition to zero-emission operations.
ABB’s digital solutions are designed to give crews a clear overview of ship operations and support safe, efficient journeys. These digital technologies are intended to help BC Ferries deliver an improved travel experience for passengers while reducing environmental impact.
Nicolas Jimenez, President and CEO, BC Ferries, said: “BC Ferries’ new major vessels represent the largest capital investment in our history and are essential to renewing our fleet, increasing capacity on our busiest routes, and strengthening system resilience. Their design reflects what our customers value most: comfort, accessibility and environmental stewardship. With diesel-battery hybrid technology that can operate on bio and renewable diesel today and transition to full electrification as infrastructure evolves, these ships are a critical part of building a cleaner, quieter, and more reliable ferry system for the future.”
Rune Braastad, President, ABB Marine and Ports division, added: “We proudly support BC Ferries’ goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their operations, striving to meet British Columbia’s 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for the transportation sector by at least 27% by 2030, from 2008 levels, in support of a cleaner future for British Columbia, and its ambitions to transition to all-electric operation. ABB’s deep roots in Canada make it possible to support generational infrastructure projects like the new major vessels.”
Image: New major vessel – basic design render – active pass (credit: British Columbia Ferries)
