Damen Launches Tenth Island Class Ferry for BC Ferries

Damen Shipyards has reached a major milestone in its contract with BC Ferries, launching the tenth Island Class ferry at its shipyard in Galati, Romania. The Island Class ferries are part of BC Ferries' fleet renewal program, which aims to replace aging vessels with more environmentally-friendly and efficient models. According to gCaptain, the launch ceremony took place at the Damen Shipyards Galati facility. The Island Class ferries are designed to be fully electric, with the capability to operate on battery power for the majority of each voyage. This helps reduce emissions and fuel consumption compared to traditional diesel-powered ferries. The Island Class vessels can carry up to 300 passengers and 47 vehicles, providing an important transportation link for communities along British Columbia's coast. BC Ferries has ordered a total of 12 Island Class ferries from Damen, with the first two already in service since 2020. 'The launch of the tenth Island Class ferry is a significant milestone in our fleet renewal program,' said Mark Collins, President and CEO of BC Ferries. 'These new vessels will provide a more sustainable and efficient service for our customers for many years to come.' The ongoing construction of the Island Class ferries demonstrates BC Ferries' commitment to modernizing its fleet and reducing the environmental impact of its operations. As the maritime industry continues to focus on sustainability, projects like this one will help pave the way for greener transportation solutions across the sector.