Construction begins on new electric Ro-Pax for Canada's BC Ferries

Construction has begun on the third vessel in a series of four Island-class Ro-Pax ferries ordered by Canadian operator BC Ferries.

Once completed, the ferry will have a length of 81 metres, a beam of 17 metres, a maximum speed of 14 knots, and space for 390 passengers and up to 47 vehicles. It will be operated on BC Ferries' routes between Nanaimo Harbour and Gabriola Island and between the Campbell River and Quadra Island in British Columbia.

New charging facilities will also be installed at the four stops to enable the vessel to safely charge its batteries even during embarkation and disembarkation.

The ferry will boast a new design that will streamline crew operations, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness by having similar technology and protocols across the BC Ferries fleet.

All four fully electric ferries in the same series are scheduled to be in operation by 2027. They will be operated by BC Ferries alongside six earlier Island-class sister vessels fitted with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion systems.