Corvus Energy has been awarded a contract to supply its battery energy storage systems (ESS) for four new hybrid-electric, double-ended passenger and car ferries for Canadian-based ferry operator, British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries). The four new vessels are part of the operator’s new Summit Class.
Corvus will deliver 40 MWh of installed battery capacity—10 MWh per vessel—a scale that places these ships among the highest capacity battery-powered ferries in the world. In addition, Corvus will supply battery interface bases and pack control systems sized for an additional 60 MWh (for a total of 70MWh) for each vessel, enabling the vessels to sail nearly emission free for up to two hours as charging infrastructure becomes available. This future-ready design eliminates the need for major structural modifications.
Each of the four new double-ended ferries will have capacity for up to 360 vehicles and 2,100 passengers and crew. The vessels will feature diesel-battery hybrid propulsion, including compatibility with biofuel or renewable diesel. Their architecture supports a future transition to near zero-emission, all-electric ferry operation when shore charging infrastructure is in place.
One of the world’s largest ferry systems, the operator provides service on 25 routes to 47 terminals and transports approximately 9.7 million vehicles and 22.7 million passengers annually. The company’s New Major Vessels program aims to renew the fleet, increase service capacity, and enable more environmentally sustainable operations.
The first vessel is scheduled for delivery by 2029, with all four entering service by 2031.