BC Ferries are moving ahead with the electrification of the Nanaimo-Gabriola Island route, but it's just the start of a long road ahead. (Island Images Photography)

By Alex Rawnsley

BATTERY POWERED

First steps in electrifying Gabriola Island-Nanaimo ferry service underway

Dec 27, 2022 | 6:20 AM

NANAIMO — It’s the first of many required steps, but it’s hoped the path will lead to fully electric ferry service for local residents.

BC Ferries have submitted an application to the B.C. Ferry Commissioner to begin exploring charging capacities on the Nanaimo Harbour to Descanso Bay route, along with the run between Campbell River and Quadra Island.

Deborah Marshall, a spokesperson with BC Ferries, said in a written statement to NanaimoNewsNOW, if the application is approved, they can move ahead with engineering design work and consultation with local First Nations.

“BC Ferries is seeking the Commissioner’s determination as to whether this work is reasonably required before incurring these capital costs. Approval…would allow funding for BC Hydro to go ahead with the design work for upgrading its systems, as well as funding for the design for the terminal upgrades.”

No timeline has been offered for work to begin or be completed, with meetings in the new year expected to further the process.

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The work is made possible by the two new ferries currently servicing the route.

Both the Island Kwigwis and Island Gwawis are hybrid-electric vessels, which can run on both diesel and battery power.

They began operating in mid-April and replaced the aging MV Quinsam. It also allowed BC Ferries, during a majority of the operating day, to sail two vessels instead of one which reduced wait times during the summer months.

Marshall noted significant capital investment would be required before fuel trucks could strike the vessels from their routes.

“The overall objective of vessel electrification is to reduce the company’s emissions footprint in support of the Province’s 2030 GHG emissions reduction target for the transportation sector.”

While providing more frequent service, operating two ships instead of one has seen an increase in emissions pertaining to the route.

Electrification of the service between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island is expected to drop greenhouse gas emissions on the run by about 5,600 tones annually.

Public input to the B.C. Ferry Commissions is open through to Dec. 31, by emailing info@bcferrycommission.ca

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