Two new BC Ferries scheduled to start operations in 2020-Q2 reached Panama Canal.
With building cost USD 86,5 million (per unit), the newbuild ferries are both battery-powered electric vessels designed for fully electric operation. The ships left Constanta Romania on November 20 on the semi-submersible vessel Sun Rise.
The company said the ships were fitted with hybrid technology that bridged the gap until shore charging infrastructure became available. From the exterior details to the engines, the design of the new ferries reduced underwater radiated noise, lowered emissions, and improved customer service.
The new Island-class vessels, expected to arrive in BC Canada in January 2020, will be used on the routes Port McNeill-Alert Bay-Sointula and Powell River-Texada Island. They have capacity 300 to 450 (passengers and crew), as well as max cargo capacity 47 vehicles (depending on configuration). The two new ferries will be named later.