ZURICH, Switzerland, Jan 14, 2026 – ABB will supply power, propulsion, and control systems for four new double-ended passenger and car ferries operated by British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries). The vessels will serve BC Ferries’ year-round coastal network spanning 25 routes and 47 terminals. The upgrade supports traffic demand, with the system carrying about 9.7 million vehicles and 22.7 million passengers annually1 and volumes expected to grow 44%2 by 2046.
BC Ferries will replace four aging vessels with hybrid-electric ferries under its “New Major Vessels” program. The program supports environmentally sustainable operations in the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The order was booked in the Q4, 2025.
Beginning in 2029, China Merchants Industry Weihai (CMI Weihai) Shipyard will deliver the vessels equipped with ABB’s gearless Azipod electric propulsion. The system reduces mechanical complexity and lowers underwater radiated noise (URN) through its propeller design. The reduced noise supports protection of killer whales and surrounding marine ecosystems3.
The vessels will use ABB’s Onboard DC Grid to control energy flow, reduce conversion losses, and improve efficiency while lowering emissions compared with conventional propulsion systems.
The ferries will carry up to 70 megawatt-hours (MWh) of onboard battery storage to support hybrid and future electric operations. Power management balances generators and batteries using biofuel or renewable diesel. For electric operation, each vessel will connect to shore charging systems rated above 60 megawatts (MW). The charging capacity exceeds electric vehicle chargers, which deliver up to 500 kilowatts (kW) per plug. The high-capacity charging supports fast port turnaround and enables future zero-emission service.
“BC Ferries’ 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. “Their design reflects what our customers value most: comfort, accessibility and environmental stewardship. With diesel-battery hybrid technology that can operate on bio and renewable diesel today and transition to full electrification as infrastructure evolves, these ships are a critical part of building a cleaner, quieter, and more reliable ferry system for the future.”
“We proudly support BC Ferries’ goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their operations, striving to meet British Columbia’s 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for the transportation sector4 by at least 27 percent by 2030, from 2008 levels, in support of a cleaner future for British Columbia, and its ambitions to transition to all-electric operation,” said Rune Braastad, president, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “ABB’s deep roots in Canada make it possible to support generational infrastructure projects like the New Major Vessels.”
[2] BC Ferries New Major Vessels
[4] BC Ferries Clean Futures Plan
Source: ABB
About ABB
ABB is a global technology company specializing in electrification and automation, with headquarters in Zürich, Switzerland, and Västerås, Sweden. Formed in 1988 through the merger of ASEA and Brown, Boveri & Cie, ABB operates in more than 100 countries and serves sectors such as utilities, transportation, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Its portfolio includes robotics, industrial automation systems, electrification products, and motion solutions. The company draws on engineering and digitalization expertise to help industries improve performance and operate efficiently. ABB has a history of more than 140 years and employs about 110,000 people worldwide.
About ABB Marine & Ports Division
ABB’s Marine & Ports Division, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, provides electrification, automation, and digital solutions for the maritime and port industries. Its offerings include electric propulsion systems, power management, Azipod thrusters, shore power solutions, and vessel control technologies. The division serves sectors such as cargo shipping, passenger ferries, cruise vessels, offshore support vessels, and port terminals. ABB Marine & Ports operates in 26 countries and employs over 2,000 people. The division’s technologies help improve operational efficiency, reduce emissions, and support real-time monitoring of ships and port operations. By integrating power, propulsion, and digital control systems, ABB Marine & Ports supports the maritime industry’s transition to more sustainable and efficient operations, with a focus on reducing the environmental impact of marine transport and port activities.
About BC Ferries
BC Ferries is a coastal ferry operator providing passenger and vehicle transportation across British Columbia, Canada. The company operates a network of marine routes linking mainland, island, and coastal communities along the Pacific coast. It runs ferry services and manages vessels, terminals, and onboard operations. BC Ferries serves individual travelers, commuters, tourists, and commercial vehicle operators. It also supports essential transportation for communities without road access. The company began operations in 1960 following the provincial consolidation of private ferry services. BC Ferries is headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia. The organization functions as an independent, regulated ferry service provider within the provincial transportation system. The company employs marine crews, terminal staff, engineering teams, and administrative personnel supporting daily ferry operations.