Corvus Energy, a leading supplier of zero-emission solutions for the maritime industry, has been awarded a contract to supply Battery Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for four new hybrid-electric, double-ended passenger and vehicle ferries operated by British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries). The contract is the latest milestone in a broader push across the global maritime sector to curb emissions through electrification, with ferry operators seen as early adopters because their short, fixed routes and frequent port calls are well-suited to battery propulsion.

The four vessels form BC Ferries' new Summit Class and are named Summit Arbutus, Summit Cedar, Summit Maple, and Summit Spruce.

Battery Capacity and Future-Ready Design

Corvus will deliver 40 MWh of installed battery capacity across the fleet, at 10 MWh per vessel—a figure that ranks the ships among the highest-capacity battery-powered ferries worldwide. Beyond the initial installation, Corvus will supply battery interface bases and pack control systems sized for an additional 60 MWh per vessel, bringing the potential total to 70 MWh per ship. This design enables near-emission-free sailing for up to two hours once charging infrastructure is in place, and eliminates the need for major structural modifications when the upgrade is implemented. The expandable architecture reflects a common challenge in maritime electrification: vessels can be built battery-ready today, but full all-electric operation depends on shoreside fast-charging infrastructure that is still being deployed at many ferry terminals.

The system selected is the Corvus Dolphin NxtGen™ Power system, which features advanced liquid-cooled power cells, improved energy density, and an enhanced safety architecture. Corvus describes it as a significant technological leap in marine battery performance. The ESS will be integrated into the propulsion and power package of each vessel.

Selection Rationale

BC Ferries cited Corvus's extensive experience with large-scale marine battery installations, its operational presence in British Columbia, and its track record powering BC Ferries' Island Class fleet as key factors in the selection. These elements are expected to ensure long-term lifecycle support from commissioning through decades of service.

"We are delighted to be selected again by BC Ferries for this flagship project. BC Ferries continues to drive one of the most ambitious and technically advanced ferry electrification programs in the world," said Fredrik Witte, CEO of Corvus Energy. "Our Dolphin NxtGen technology brings the next leap in performance and safety, enabling these vessels to operate efficiently today while paving the way for a fully electric future. We are extra proud that these batteries have been developed at our Product Development Hub in Vancouver, BC."

BC Ferries' Fleet Renewal Program

BC Ferries operates one of the world's largest ferry systems, providing service on 25 routes to 47 terminals and transporting approximately 9.7 million vehicles and 22.7 million passengers annually.

The New Major Vessels (NMV) program represents BC Ferries' largest capital investment to date. Its objectives are to renew the fleet, increase service capacity, and improve environmental sustainability. Each of the four new double-ended ferries will have capacity for up to 360 vehicles and 2,100 passengers and crew.

Designed in collaboration with LMG Marin, the vessels will feature diesel-battery hybrid propulsion compatible with biofuel or renewable diesel. Their architecture is intended to support a seamless transition to near-zero-emission, all-electric operation once shore charging infrastructure is established.

Ed Hooper, BC Ferries' Head of Fleet Renewal, stated: "BC Ferries is looking towards the future of what passenger ferry transport can be for the people, businesses and communities that rely on our ferries every day. Our challenge today is an aging fleet, most notably impacting our major routes. When the new Summit Class vessels begin to arrive in 2029, we will be adding more capacity and building better reliability into the way we do business. These vessels will have a long lifespan and working with dependable, long-term partners like Corvus Energy who have a local BC presence and proven ability to support the full system lifecycle, is key to our fleet renewal journey."

Construction Timeline

The first vessel is scheduled for delivery by 2029 from China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group Weihai Shipyard Co., Ltd., with all four ferries expected to enter service by 2031. The timeline aligns with intensifying international pressure on the maritime sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including the International Maritime Organization's strategy to peak and then reduce emissions from international shipping in the coming decades.

Source: Corvus Energy