Damen Shipyards has signed a contract with the City of Toronto in Canada for the delivery of two fully-electric ferries, which will provide a major boost to sustainability in the region, to operate between downtown Toronto and the major tourist destination of the Toronto Islands.
Damen will build the ferries at its Galati yard in Romania, to a design produced by Quebec-based Concept Naval. The naval architecture company has developed the vessel design over the last two years in close cooperation with both the client and with Damen. The ferries will be 50m long with a maximum beam of 13m. One of the vessels will transport passengers and vehicles, and the other passengers and bicycles.
The City of Toronto is said to have chosen Damen on the basis of its track record, in area such as experience, operational capabilities, engineering expertise and competitive pricing.
Damen Product Director Ferries Henk Grunstra said: “The City of Toronto is taking a big step forward for reduced emissions public transport with these new ferries. Fully electric vessels represent an ideal solution for a short route such as this one, within easy reach of charging infrastructure. We are looking forward to the construction of these ferries and to a successful collaboration with the City of Toronto and Concept Naval.”
Eric Garant, Director General, Concept Naval said: “As a naval architecture firm, Concept Naval is proud to partner with Damen on the innovative 100% electric ferries for the City of Toronto. This project is designed to meet the needs of the City and the many users traveling to the Toronto Islands. Through the combined expertise of Concept Naval and Damen, we aim to provide a sustainable and efficient maritime transport service, at the forefront of technology, contributing to a greener future for the Toronto community.”
The Toronto Ferries will be the 23rd and 24th ferries that Damen has delivered to Canada in the last 10 years. Examples include a number of fully electric and hybrid vessels as Damen works towards its goal to become the most sustainable maritime solutions provider.
Image: Two all-electric ferries will be built by Damen for the City of Toronto (credit: Damen Shipyards)
