ABB chosen to supply technology for BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels

ABB will supply a complete package of power, propulsion and control technology for four new double-ended passenger and car ferries operated by British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries). One of the largest ferry operators in the world, 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. Demand on the ferry system is expected to increase as the province’s population is forecast to grow 44 percent by 2046.

The hybrid-electric ferries, which will replace four end-of-life vessels, are part of BC Ferries’ ‘New Major Vessels’ program, aimed at delivering safe, environmentally sustainable and reliable operations in and around the Strait of Georgia, the body of water separating Vancouver Island from the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The order was booked in the fourth quarter of 2025. Financial details were not disclosed.

Scheduled for delivery beginning in 2029 from China Merchants Industry Weihai (CMI Weihai) Shipyard, the vessels will be equipped with ABB’s gearless, steerable Azipod® electric propulsion. The system offers proven reliability thanks to significantly fewer moving parts than mechanical thrusters, while the special propeller design helps reduce underwater radiated noise (URN). This helps safeguard at-risk species, such as the Southern Resident killer whale, and preserve one of the world’s most biologically rich marine ecosystems.

ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution system will serve as the backbone for efficient energy flow, minimizing conversion losses and enabling higher overall system efficiency and lower emissions than comparable propulsion arrangements.