Island-class ferry
The Island-class ferries are ferries owned and operated by BC Ferries. Six vessels were built between 2019 and 2021 by Damen Shipyards Group, a Dutch company, in Romania. The first two ships were launched in mid-March 2019, and commenced service in June 2020. Two of an additional four vessels commenced service in April 2022, and the remaining two are due to enter service in late 2022. The vessels are powered by a diesel-electric hybrid system, and will transition to full electric operation when shore-side electric charging stations and funding becomes available. Description The Island-class vessels were designed by Damen Shipyards Group as Damen Road Ferry 8117 E3, with input from both the public and BC Ferries. The ferries are diesel-electric hybrid-powered, measuring long and have a beam of . Each ship has the capacity for 47 vehicles, and between 300 and 450 passengers and crew. Features include a gallery deck for increased vehicle capacity, heated solariums on both sides of the sun deck, an indoor passenger lounge on the main car deck, and a small pet area. The vessels are also the most environmentally friendly in the fleet, as they will switch from the current hybrid technology to operating fully