Damen launches fully electric-ready ferry for BC Ferries

Week of milestone moments sees launch, keel laying and steel cutting on electric-ready vessels

27 May 2025

On 22nd May, Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania launched the latest Island Class Ferry for BC Ferries. The vessel, a Damen RoRo 8117 E3, will become the seventh Damen vessel to sail in the Canadian organisation's fleet.

The ferry is the first in an order of four battery-equipped diesel-hybrid vessels that will bring the total number of Damen vessels in the BC Ferries fleet to ten. The ferries will be capable of operating exclusively on electric power once charging infrastructure is in place at the terminals. They will connect four coastal communities in British Columbia, operating between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island and Campbell River and Quadra Island, respectively.

The vessels will transport up to 47 vehicles and 390 passengers, recharging during passenger (dis)embarkation using renewable energy.


Image by Damen Shipyards Group

Week 21 saw quite some activity at the yard, says Executive Director Global Sales Leo Postma. "As well as the launch of the seventh vessel, the next day, on the 23rd, the yard also carried out the keel laying for the ninth Island Class vessel, and cut steel for the tenth. It's great to see the projects making progress in this way, with so many milestone moments taking place simultaneously. We're all looking forward to the further development of these sustainable ferries in the coming months."

BC Ferries' Executive Director of Shipbuilding Ed Hooper joined the on-site team to mark these milestones, personally welding the coin during the keel-laying and joining the celebrations for the steel cutting and launch milestones.

"I'm thrilled to celebrate these milestones with the team at Damen Shipyards Galati this week," he shared. "The Island Class is now our largest single class of vessels, and they're a critical part of our larger effort to renew and modernise our entire fleet to meet the needs of the people in British Columbia who rely on BC Ferries every single day."

Also in attendance was the Canadian Ambassador to Romania, His Excellency Gavin Buchan. He said, "It is a real pleasure to be here today at Damen Shipyards Galati for the launch of this vessel destined for BC Ferries. Canada's engagement with Damen Galati dates back more than a decade and over the years, this relationship has grown stronger, built on mutual trust, a commitment to technical excellence and a shared vision for innovation in shipbuilding.

"There are already many vessels built by Damen Galati operating in Canada and there will be many more in the years ahead.


BC Ferries' Senior Project Manager Ryan Tuira starts steel cutting for the tenth Island Class vessel.   Image by Damen Shipyards Group


Image by Damen Shipyards Group

"As a fully electric ferry, this vessel will be both at the leading edge of technology and something which will make a meaningful contribution to fighting climate change, it symbolises both the strength of our partnership and the bright future which lies ahead."

As well as the vessels themselves, Damen is also supplying onshore charging equipment to BC Ferries. Following their delivery in 2027, Damen will continue to provide support for the ferries from its Canadian Service Hub located in Victoria.

Damen Shipyards Group press release