What's Happening?
Damen Shipyards Group has completed sea trials for the latest Island Class ferry for BC Ferries, marking the seventh vessel in a series of ten. The trials took place in the Black Sea, focusing on measuring underwater radiated noise (URN) to protect the maritime ecosystem, particularly the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale. The Island Class vessels are designed to reduce URN through optimized design, including computational fluid dynamics and tank testing. BC Ferries and Damen have collaborated since 2017 to transition to more energy-efficient and sustainable operations, with the latest vessel prepared for full electric operations once shoreside charging infrastructure is available.
Why It's Important?
The completion of sea trials for BC Ferries' latest Island
Class vessel represents a significant step towards more sustainable maritime operations. By focusing on reducing underwater radiated noise, BC Ferries is addressing environmental concerns and contributing to the protection of marine life. The collaboration with Damen Shipyards highlights the industry's commitment to innovation and sustainability, setting a benchmark for future ferry designs. This initiative not only supports environmental goals but also enhances the operational efficiency and reliability of ferry services, which are vital for connecting coastal communities.
