B.C. Ferries is seeking permission to begin preparations at terminals so hybrid vessels on the Gabriola Island and Quadra Island routes can charge their batteries on-shore.
Next month, two diesel-electric Island-class ferries are set to start service between Campbell River and Quadra Island, while another two began operating on the Nanaimo Harbour-Gabriola route in August.
The vessels are operating on diesel for now, but installing on-shore charging infrastructure at terminals would allow the hybrid ferries to run solely on batteries.
B.C. Ferries has submitted an application to the B.C. Ferry Commission, which is asking for public comment on the plan.
The company has six Island-class hybrid ferries in its fleet and last month put out a request for pre-qualifications to shipyards for another four.
The terminal application is only for engineering design work and consultation with First Nations, B.C. Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said Monday, and will be followed by an application to the commission for electrification of the routes.
The cost of the proposed work is not being released, but B.C. Ferries said in its application that it would require “limited capital expenditures.”
Preparatory work would take about a year to complete, during which consultation is expected to be carried out with First Nations and other stakeholders.
The Nanaimo-Gabriola and Campbell River-Quadra routes are ideal for the electrification project because they’re both served by two Island-class diesel-electric hybrid ferries that can be converted to run fully on electric power, the company said.
B.C. Ferries is aiming to cut back on its greenhouse gas emissions to support the province’s target in the transportation sector.
Electrification would see passengers moved in a more environmentally friendly way and fits with community expectations of providing clearer and quieter operations in its systems, B.C. Ferries says.
The company’s board of directors supported the funding amount at an August meeting.
Each Island-class ferry is 265 feet long and able to carry 47 vehicles and up to 300 passengers and crew members.
To comment, go to bcferrycommission.ca/share-your-thoughts/.
cjwilson@timescolonist.com
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