Damen Shipyards Group has successfully finished sea trials for the newest Island Class ferry for BC Ferries. This is the seventh vessel in a series of ten, which underwent trials during weeks 49 and 50 last year in the Black Sea.
Core Values
Damen is currently building four Island Class vessels for the Canadian ferry operator. Once delivered, these vessels will play a key role in connecting coastal communities along British Columbia's coast, a mission that aligns with Damen’s values, according to Project Manager Richard Tijpens.
“We are a family-owned company that holds family values close to our heart. Ferries are essential for family life. They help people get to work and school, enjoy their leisure time, and bring them home at the end of the day.
“On a personal note, due to the time difference between the Netherlands and BC, I often hold meetings with clients late in the afternoon when my family is home. They have become very familiar with this project and BC Ferries. In fact, my wife, Marjolein, served as Lady Sponsor for the launch of Island 8.”
Environmental Protection
An interesting part of the sea trials involved measuring underwater radiated noise (URN). BC Ferries is committed to reducing URN from its vessels to protect the unique marine ecosystem in the area, especially the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale.
To achieve this, Damen and BC Ferries have improved the design of the Island Class vessels to lower URN. This involved measuring the noise levels of existing vessels and making design changes. The team used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and tank testing to reduce drag and modify the propulsion system and propellers.
“Damen Shipyards has played a key role in BC Ferries’ efforts to update its fleet to meet the current and future needs of coastal communities,” said David Tolman, Program Manager for Fleet Renewal at BC Ferries.
“Since 2017, BC Ferries and Damen Shipyards have collaborated to bring six Island Class vessels to BC waters, improving energy efficiency with sustainable hybrid and electric operations, while standardizing the fleet for better interoperability. We look forward to welcoming Island Class 7 to BC waters in spring 2026.”
For a fair evaluation of the latest vessel’s performance, trials must be carried out in a consistent location, at appropriate draught, and in calm weather—conditions that are not always guaranteed this time of year.
Moving Towards Sustainability
In another step towards marine sustainability, Damen is preparing Island Class vessels to operate fully on electricity once shore charging infrastructure is established. Damen is also supplying BC Ferries with the necessary charging systems.
Damen Shipyards Group – Oceans of Possibilities
Damen Shipyards Group has been in business for over ninety-five years, providing maritime solutions globally through design, construction, conversion, maintenance, and repair of ships and components. By integrating systems, we create innovative, high-quality platforms that deliver maximum value to our customers.
Our core values include fellowship, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and stewardship. Our goal is to become the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder by focusing on digitalization, standardization, serial construction of our innovative vessels, and the use of circular materials.
Damen runs 35 shipyards and 20 other companies across 20 countries, supported by a global sales and service network. We deliver around 100 vessels each year, with a total production value exceeding 3 billion euros, and provide direct employment for about 12,500 people. In everything we do, we aim to positively impact the local environment and society.