ABB, a global technology leader in electrification and automation with over 140 years of history, has been selected to supply the power, propulsion, and control technology for four new major vessels for British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries).
The new double-ended ferries are part of a major fleet renewal program designed to handle growing passenger demand while reducing environmental impact.
Scheduled for delivery starting in 2029 from the CMI Weihai Shipyard in China, the hybrid-electric vessels will replace four aging ships on routes between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.
The vessels will feature ABB’s gearless Azipod electric propulsion, a system known for reliability and reduced underwater noise, which helps protect at-risk marine life such as the Southern Resident killer whale.
Additionally, ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ will manage energy flow, allowing the ships to operate efficiently on hybrid power now while being ready for a future transition to fully electric, zero-emission service.
Each ferry will be equipped with substantial battery storage and the capability to connect to high-capacity 60-megawatt shore charging stations — over 100 times more powerful than standard EV chargers.
“BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels represent the largest capital investment in our history,” said Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO of BC Ferries. “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.”
