British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries) has selected Everllence to supply main engines for four double-ended ferries being built by China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard Co., Ltd.

Each vessel will be fitted with four 32/44CR engines, comprising two 6L32/44CR units and two 8L32/44CR units.

The ferries form part of BC Ferries’ New Major Vessel (NMV) class, which is intended to replace ageing vessels on the operator’s busiest routes. BC Ferries said the first of the newbuilds is expected to enter service in 2029, with all four due to be operational by 2031.

The operator added that the NMV programme represents its largest capital investment to date and that the ships are being designed to support fully electric operation once the necessary infrastructure is in place.

Ed Hooper, head of fleet renewal at BC Ferries, said: “Our work with Everllence Canada is an important milestone on our fleet-renewal journey, as well as our move toward greater efficiency and lower emissions. The 32/44CR engines provide proven performance and operational flexibility, and the long-term local service support from PrimeServ Canada helps ensure reliability and in-province technical capacity as we introduce these new vessels.”

The engines will be backed by PrimeServ Canada, Everllence’s in-service support organisation.

Vamsi Pentyala, general manager of Everllence Canada’s BC office, noted: “Everllence Canada is pleased to partner with BC Ferries on these NMV-class vessels that will be supported by our well-established, local, in-service support organisation – PrimeServ Canada. This partnership allows us to strengthen our commitment to continued investment and growth in British Columbia, support the local economy, develop the skills of our people in BC and across Canada, and develop new suitable local partners to ensure the reliable service of these ferries.”

Thomas Huchatz, global manager for ferries at Everllence, stated: “BC Ferries plays a vital role in keeping communities and businesses across British Columbia connected. Supplying the main engines for these new vessels is both an honour and a responsibility we take very seriously. Our 32/44CR engines bring proven reliability together with future-ready technology that will benefit these vessels for decades.”

BC Ferries operates ferry services in British Columbia, carrying millions of passengers and vehicles annually across the region.