Wärtsilä is to deliver one of its hybrid propulsion solutions for a new ro-ro ferry being built for the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in Canada.
The vessel is being constructed at the Western Pacific Marine shipyard, and when delivered will serve the Balfour–Kootenay Bay route across Kootenay Lake.
“Wärtsilä was selected based on its experience, reputation and know-how in developing, delivering and supporting complex hybrid propulsion systems. These capabilities are extremely important to us, and we very much appreciate and welcome Wärtsilä’s support throughout this project,” said Graham Clarke, president of Western Pacific Marine.
The full scope of supply includes two Wärtsilä 20 generator sets with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, the hybrid solution with a DC electrical system and batteries, the energy management system, and the vessel alarm and monitoring system. The company will also supply the sewage treatment system and will be responsible for the integration of the various onboard systems.
Delivery is scheduled for the second half of 2022. The 89m-long double-ended ferry will be able to carry 250 passengers and crew, as well as 61 automobile equivalents (AEQs).
“We are proud to be providing the integrated hybrid propulsion solution for the Kootenay Lake replacement ferry, and proud also to be playing our part in preserving the beautiful environment of this interior region of British Columbia,” said Dave Adams, senior sales manager at Wärtsilä Canada.
“The Wärtsilä Hybrid System is in full alignment with our Smart Marine approach toward raising sustainability levels for our customers,” he added. “This solution is also upgradeable to achieve zero-emission operations in the future.”