In addition, Corvus will supply battery interface bases and pack control systems sized for a further 60 MWh per vessel, bringing total prepared capacity to 70 MWh each. This is intended to allow the vessels to sail nearly emission-free for up to two hours once shore charging infrastructure becomes available, without requiring major structural modification later.

The energy storage systems will use Corvus's Dolphin NxtGen Power technology, featuring liquid-cooled power cells and what the company describes as improved energy density and safety architecture. The systems will be integrated into the power and propulsion package for the new vessels.

BC Ferries said its selection of Corvus was based on the supplier's experience with large-scale marine battery installations, its operational presence in British Columbia, and its track record supplying the operator's Island Class fleet.

Fredrik Witte, chief executive of Corvus Energy, said the company was pleased to be selected again by BC Ferries for what he called a flagship project, adding that the Dolphin NxtGen technology would bring improved performance and safety while supporting a future transition toward fully electric operation. He noted that the batteries have been developed at the company's product development hub in Vancouver, British Columbia.

BC Ferries operates one of the world's largest ferry systems, serving 25 routes to 47 terminals and carrying approximately 9.7 million vehicles and 22.7 million passengers annually. The four new vessels form part of the company's New Major Vessels programme, described as its largest capital investment to date, aimed at renewing the fleet, increasing capacity and improving environmental performance.

Each of the four RoPax ferries will have capacity for up to 360 vehicles and 2,100 passengers and crew. Designed in collaboration with LMG Marin, the vessels will have diesel-battery hybrid propulsion compatible with biofuel or renewable diesel, with the design intended to support a later transition to near zero-emission, all-electric operation once shore charging is available.

Ed Hooper, BC Ferries' head of fleet renewal, said the operator was addressing the challenge of an ageing fleet, particularly on its major routes, and that the new Summit Class vessels would add capacity and reliability from 2029 onward. He said long-term partners with local presence and full lifecycle support, such as Corvus Energy, were key to the fleet renewal programme.

The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2029 from China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group Weihai Shipyard Co., Ltd, with all four vessels entering service by 2031.

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