ABB has been selected to supply integrated power, propulsion, and control technology for four new hybrid-electric ferries operated by British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries).

The vessels, which will be constructed at China Merchants Industry Weihai shipyard, are scheduled for delivery from 2029 and will replace four older ferries under BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels programme. ABB booked the order in the fourth quarter of 2025, though financial details were not disclosed.

The ferries will use ABB’s Azipod electric propulsion and its Onboard DC Grid power distribution system. Each vessel will be fitted to carry up to 70 MWh of battery energy storage and will be able to connect to shore power systems rated above 60 MW, allowing full electric operation while alongside.

The hybrid configuration will use biofuel or renewable diesel and continuously balance energy between generators and batteries. ABB claims the DC Grid system minimises conversion losses, enabling higher overall system efficiency and lower emissions than comparable propulsion arrangements.

The vessels have also been designed with reduced underwater radiated noise in mind, including propeller and propulsion arrangements aimed at limiting acoustic impact in the Strait of Georgia, where Southern Resident killer whales are present.

Nicolas Jimenez, President and 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."

He added: "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."

BC Ferries aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from operations by at least 27% by 2030, from 2008 levels, in support of British Columbia's 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for the transportation sector.

Rune Braastad, President, ABB's Marine & Ports division, commented: "We proudly support BC Ferries' goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their operations, striving to meet British Columbia's 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for the transportation sector by at least 27 percent by 2030, from 2008 levels, in support of a cleaner future for British Columbia, and its ambitions to transition to all-electric operation."

BC Ferries provides year-round vehicle and passenger service on 25 routes to 47 terminals, carrying approximately 9.7 million vehicles and 22.7 million passengers annually, according to the company's annual report to the British Columbia Ferries Commission for the year ended March 31, 2025.