ABB has been awarded a contract to supply a package of power, propulsion and control technology for a set of four new double-ended passenger and car ferries operated by British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries).
The new hybrid-electric ferries will replace a set of four end-of-life vessels and form part of BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels programme, which is aimed at operations in and around the Strait of Georgia.
The order was officially booked during the fourth quarter of 2025, with financial details yet to be disclosed.
Set to be constructed at the China Merchants Industry Weihai (CMI Weihai) Shipyard; the vessels are scheduled for delivery beginning in 2029, and will come fully equipped with ABB’s gearless, steerable Azipod electric propulsion, which aims to offer a higher rate of reliability due to fewer moving parts than mechanical thrusters, whilst the special propeller design allows a reduction in underwater radiated noise (URN).
Each vessel will utilise ABB’s Onboard DC Grid power distribution system, which serves as the backbone for a more efficient flow of energy, reducing conversion losses and enabling higher system efficiency.
The fleet will be equipped to accommodate up to 70 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage, enabling hybrid operation and supporting a potential future shift to fully electric, zero-emission service. Each vessel will also be capable of connecting to a high-capacity shore charging system rated above 60 megawatts (MW) for full electric operation
Nicolas Jimenez, President & CEO, BC Ferries, said:BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels represent the largest capital investment in our history and are essential to renewing our fleet, increasing capacity on our busiest routes, and strengthening system resilience.
Their design reflects what our customers value most: comfort, accessibility and environmental stewardship. 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.
