Damen has signed a contract with the City of Toronto in Canada for the delivery of two fully electric ferries.
The vessels will operate between the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in downtown Toronto and the Toronto Islands, the Dutch ship builder said in a statement yesterday (26 September).
Damen is building the Toronto Ferries at its Galati yard in Romania, to a design produced by Quebec-based Concept Naval.
The vessels will be 50 metres long with a maximum beam of 13 metres. One of the ferries will transport passengers and vehicles, and the other passengers and bicycles.
‘We chose Damen for this new building project due to their outstanding track record,’ said a City of Toronto spokesperson. ‘After a comprehensive RFP process, Damen emerged as the top-ranked supplier, excelling in critical areas such as experience, operational capabilities, engineering expertise and competitive pricing.’
Damen’s Product Director Ferries Henk Grunstra, added: ‘The City of Toronto is taking a big step forward for reduced emissions public transport with these new ferries. Fully electric vessels represent an ideal solution for a short route such as this one, within easy reach of charging infrastructure. We are looking forward to the construction of these ferries and to a successful collaboration with the City of Toronto and Concept Naval.’
Eric Garant, Director General of Concept Naval, commented: ‘As a naval architecture firm, Concept Naval is proud to partner with Damen on the innovative 100% electric ferries for the City of Toronto. This project is designed to meet the needs of the City and the many users traveling to the Toronto Islands. Through the combined expertise of Concept Naval and Damen, we aim to provide a sustainable and efficient maritime transport service, at the forefront of technology, contributing to a greener future for the Toronto community.”
The Toronto Ferries will be the 23rd and 24th ferries that Damen has delivered to Canada in the last ten years.
