ABB has been chosen to supply a full package of power, propulsion, and control technologies for four new double-ended passenger and vehicle ferries being built for British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries). The order was booked in the fourth quarter of 2025. Financial terms were not disclosed.
BC Ferries is one of the world’s largest ferry operators, providing year-round service across 25 routes and 47 terminals, carrying approximately 9.7 million vehicles and 22.7 million passengers annually. Demand is expected to rise further as the province’s population continues to grow over the coming decades.
The new ferries are being built under BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels program and will replace four vessels nearing end of life. The program is aimed at improving capacity, reliability, and environmental performance for routes operating around the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.
The vessels are scheduled for delivery beginning in 2029 from China Merchants Industry Weihai (CMI Weihai) Shipyard. Each ferry will feature ABB’s Azipod® gearless, steerable electric propulsion, designed to improve efficiency and reliability through fewer moving parts compared to conventional mechanical thruster systems. ABB said the propulsion package also includes a propeller design that reduces underwater radiated noise, supporting protection of sensitive marine species and ecosystems. ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution system will provide efficient energy flow onboard, reducing conversion losses and enabling improved system efficiency and lower emissions.
Each vessel will also be designed to carry up to 70 megawatt-hours (MWh) of onboard battery energy storage, supporting hybrid operation initially and enabling a transition to fully electric service over time. The hybrid design uses biofuel or renewable diesel and manages power distribution between generators and batteries.
The vessels will also be capable of connecting to shore charging systems rated above 60 megawatts (MW) to support full electric operation and faster turnaround at port. ABB will also provide digital systems designed to give crews better operational visibility and support safe, efficient vessel operation, while helping BC Ferries improve passenger experience and reduce environmental impact.
“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,” said Nicolas Jimenez, President & CEO, BC Ferries. “With diesel-battery hybrid technology that can run on bio and renewable diesel today and transition to full electrification as infrastructure evolves, these ships are critical to building a cleaner, quieter and more dependable ferry system.”
Rune Braastad, President of ABB’s Marine & Ports division, said, “We are proud to support BC Ferries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and progressing toward all-electric operations. ABB’s long-standing presence in Canada enables us to support major, multi-generation infrastructure projects such as this.”
ABB is a global technology company in electrification and automation, focused on improving performance and sustainability for industrial customers worldwide. ABB has more than 140 years of operating history and a workforce of around 110,000 employees, with shares listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm.
