Damen has won a contract from Government of Ontario in Canada to provide electrification solutions for two ferries currently serving Kingston and Wolfe Island, and Millhaven and Amherst Island respectively.
The development is the result of a proposal submitted by Damen to the government, in response to a tender called for development of the ferries.
Canada Transportation Minister Kathryn McGarry said: “Investing in innovative green technology is helping Ontario become a leader in North America for sustainable transportation and our government is committed to improving service, while simultaneously reducing our carbon footprint.”
Under the new contract, Damen has already customised the vessel design to ensure that the performance of the ferries is not affected by electrification.
The company will install an automated mooring solution, as well as a charging system that will enable the vessels to automatically connect to the shore power system to recharge their batteries.
Electrification of the vessels will include the Road Ferry 6819 and 9819, representing 68m and 98m length respectively and is expected to reduce emissions by the equivalent of seven million kilograms of carbon dioxide per annum.
They will mark the first fully electric, non-cable vessels in Canada.
The Road Ferry 6819 that serves Amherst Island Ferry will continue to be able to carry 300 passengers and 42 cars at speeds up to 12k following electrification.
The 9819 ferry serving Amherst Island will also be able to transport 399 passengers and 75 cars at its current speed of up to 12k.
