Corvus Energy has secured a contract to supply battery systems for four new hybrid-electric passenger and car ferries operated by British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries). These vessels are part of the company’s Summit Class fleet and will be named Summit Arbutus, Summit Cedar, Summit Maple, and Summit Spruce.
According to Corvus Energy and Professional Mariner, each vessel will have 10 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery capacity. The total installed capacity per vessel can potentially increase up to 70 MWh with the addition of further batteries as charging infrastructure becomes available. This future-ready design positions BC Ferries at the forefront of large vessel electrification and ensures long-term lifecycle support for the new vessels.
The Corvus Dolphin NxtGen Power system, featuring advanced liquid-cooled power cells and enhanced safety architecture, will be integrated into the power and propulsion package for these new ferries. Fredrik Witte, CEO of Corvus Energy, stated: "BC Ferries continues to drive one of the most ambitious and technically advanced ferry electrification programs in the world."
The vessels are being built by China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group Weihai Shipyard Co., Ltd., with the first delivery scheduled for 2029. All four vessels will be in service by 2031, as reported by ship.energy and Corvus Energy.
Technical Specifications
The ESS will include battery interface bases and pack control systems designed to manage an additional 60 MWh of battery capacity per vessel. This configuration enables the ferries to operate nearly emission-free for up to two hours as charging infrastructure is developed, ensuring a seamless transition towards fully electric operations.
BC Ferries selected Corvus Energy based on its experience in delivering large-scale marine battery installations and strong operational presence in British Columbia. According to Hellenic Shipping News, the company’s Dolphin NxtGen technology brings significant advancements in performance and safety, paving the way for a fully electric future of BC Ferries.