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 to join BC Ferries’ fleet of hybrid electric Island Class vessels.
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 the Island Class. 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 was selected to supply battery systems for the four new vessels—totalling over 8 MWh of battery capacity cumulatively for the four systems. BC Ferries’ six hybrid Island Class vessels currently in operation are also equipped with Corvus Energy ESS.
The new Island Class ferries will be delivered electric-ready with the ability to operate on fully electric power, utilising renewable shore power when available for battery charging. When the vessel is operating on electric power alone, it will consume no 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 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, the four electric ferries are expected to significantly reduce the annual GHG emissions on two busy routes.
Corvus Energy claims to provide 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 positions Corvus to provide service and support to BC Ferries and other Canadian-based clients.
Tor-Gunnar Hovig, Head of Region-Americas, Corvus Energy, said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with BC Ferries and Damen Shipyards in providing battery solutions for BC Ferries’ Island Class vessels. 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 ESS. The Corvus Orca is considered well suited for short-distance ferry operations due to its high-performance specifications, including fast charging capabilities, its 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.
Image: Four new, fully electric capable passenger car ferries currently under construction to join BC Ferries’ fleet of Island Class vessels will use Corvus Orca ESS (source: Corvus Energy)
