Damen Shipyards Group registers the construction of the Island Class ferries for BC Ferries of Canada. On November 19, the Island Class 9 was launched into the water at Damen Shipyards in Galati, Romania.
BC Ferries’ ferry construction plans
This launch follows another moment that occurred in October, when the shipyard began major assembly of the Island Class 10 block. Both vessels are part of a four-ferry order, following earlier deliveries of Island Class 1 to 6 between 2019 and 2021.
The four ferries currently under construction are based on the Damen 8117 electric ferry design. These vessels are being designed for all-electric operation, although diesel-electric hybrid propulsion is currently being installed. Once the necessary land-based infrastructure is available, BC Ferries plans to operate the ferries on 100% electric power.
Following the delivery of these ferries, Damen will continue to support the fleet from its service center in Victoria, as it currently does with other BC Ferries Island Class vessels.
Once in service, the Island 7 to 10 class ferries will connect Nanaimo to Gabriola Island and Campbell River to Quadra Island. Each ferry will accommodate 47 vehicles and 390 passengers.
Source and photo: Damen