Damen Shipyards Group has reached another milestone in its Island Class ferry program for BC Ferries with the launch of Island Class 9 in Romania. The vessel entered the water on November 19 at Damen Shipyards Galati.
The launch follows the block assembly of Island Class 10 in October. Both vessels are part of an order for four ferries, following the delivery of the first six Island Class vessels between 2019 and 2021.
The new ferries are based on Damen’s 8117 (E3) design and are built to be fully electric-ready. They feature diesel-electric hybrid propulsion and are designed for future operation on 100% electric power once shoreside infrastructure is in place.
After delivery, Damen will continue to support the vessels from its service hub in Victoria. When in service, Island Class ferries 7–10 will operate routes between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island, and Campbell River and Quadra Island. Each vessel can carry up to 47 vehicles and 390 passengers.
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