Damen Shipyards Group has marked another milestone in the construction programme for BC Ferries’ Island Class fleet. On 19 November 2025, Island Class 9 was launched at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania.
The launch follows another key step completed in October, when the yard carried out the block assembly for Island Class 10. Both vessels are part of an order for four new ferries, placed after the delivery of Island Class 1–6 between 2019 and 2021.
The four ferries currently under construction are based on the Damen 8117 (E3) Electric Ferry design. Damen is delivering the vessels fully prepared for electric operation. During construction, the shipbuilder is installing hybrid diesel-electric propulsion systems, with BC Ferries planning to operate the ferries on electric power only once the required shore-side infrastructure is in place.
After delivery, Damen will continue to support the vessels—along with BC Ferries’ existing Island Class ships—through its service hub in Victoria.
Once in service, Island Class 7–10 will operate routes linking Nanaimo and Gabriola Island, and Campbell River and Quadra Island. Each ferry can carry 47 vehicles and up to 390 passengers.
