{"id":54270,"date":"2021-07-26T11:10:10","date_gmt":"2021-07-26T15:10:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canada-info.ca\/?p=54270"},"modified":"2021-08-02T10:30:08","modified_gmt":"2021-08-02T14:30:08","slug":"first-of-two-hybrid-electric-ferries-arrives-in-bc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canada-info.ca\/en\/first-of-two-hybrid-electric-ferries-arrives-in-bc\/","title":{"rendered":"First of two hybrid electric ferries arrives in BC"},"content":{"rendered":"

Two hybrid diesel\/electric ferries<\/a>\u00a0with increased vehicle capacity will begin providing two-ship service on the\u00a0Campbell River \u2013 Quadra Island\u00a0<\/a>route starting in early 2022.<\/p>\n

After a transatlantic journey of 64 days and 10,700 nautical miles, Island 3 \u2013 the newest hybrid addition to the BC Ferries fleet \u2013 docked in Victoria at 2:42 p.m. local time on July 22.<\/p>\n

Its sister vessel, Island 4, departed from the same port of origin, Damen Shipyard Galati in Romania, about two weeks later and is scheduled to arrive in the port of Vancouver on Aug. 10.<\/p>\n

These passenger and cargo vessels will be bestowed official names later this year. Their simultaneous deployment on the popular and unreservable Campbell River\u2013Quadra Island route is expected to dramatically improve the speed and volume of service, as well as increase local employment and environmental responsibility.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the Quadra Island\u2013Cortes Island route is only distantly scheduled for a similar upgraded ship in the next decade. Last Thursday, a Smelt Bay resident reported leaving her house at 1 p.m. and disembarking at the Campbell River terminal only seven hours later at 8 p.m. due to the backlog of ferry traffic.<\/p>\n

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Artists conception of one of the new hybrid-electric ferries sailing by an island Island Class. Snapshot courtesy BC Ferries.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Nevertheless, BC Ferries is striving toward progress. According to a press release, the Island Class vessels \u201cuse some of the most advanced clean marine technology in the world. Once in service, we believe these ferries will be among the most efficient and quietest ferries world-wide.\"<\/p>\n

The eco-friendly design showcases a reduction in underwater noise which can disturb marine life, as well as decreased emissions as compared to a traditional fuel-operated engine. They also feature wider vehicle lanes, dedicated pedestrian footpaths and parking spaces for bicycles. The vessels are slated for fully electric operation once the terminals are outfitted with shore charging infrastructure, pending sufficient funding.<\/p>\n

The acquisition and subsequent replacement of older vessels is part of BC Ferries\u2019 plan to standardize its fleet, streamlining operations and training, as well as allowing for easier substitution of vessels across the province in emergency or repair needs. There are currently six hybrid Island Class ferries already running or soon to join the BC Ferries operations.<\/p>\n