Corvus Energy has been awarded a contract to supply battery energy storage systems (ESS) for BC Ferries’ four new hybrid-electric Summit Class ferries, marking a significant milestone in the operator’s fleet renewal and decarbonization strategy. The Vancouver-developed technology will provide 40 MWh of installed battery capacity, with 10 MWh per vessel, making the ships among the highest-capacity battery-powered ferries in the world. The design also includes provisions for future expansion to 70 MWh per vessel, enabling near zero-emission operations as charging infrastructure becomes available. The new double-ended ferries, named Summit Arbutus, Summit Cedar, Summit Maple, and Summit Spruce, will each carry up to 360 vehicles and 2,100 passengers and crew. Construction is underway at China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group Weihai Shipyard, with the first vessel expected to enter service in 2029 and all four operational by 2031. BC Ferries says the project represents a major step toward a more sustainable future for one of the world’s largest ferry systems.
