Canada

Here’s the plan to run electric ferries between downtown Vancouver, Bowen Island and Gibsons

A groundbreaking plan is in the works to launch two all-electric, 150-passenger ferries that will connect downtown Vancouver, Bowen Island, and Gibsons by 2027. The City of Vancouver has taken a significant step forward by announcing motions to expedite land use at Harbour Green Dock, bringing this ambitious project one step closer to reality.

Representatives from all levels of government have enthusiastically endorsed the proposal put forth by Greenline Marine Inc., which has been in development for the past two years. Bowen Island Mayor Andrew Leonard, alongside Vancouver Park Board commissioners, a city councillor, a Green MLA, and a Liberal MP, expressed their support for the initiative. Leonard highlighted the challenges faced by his community when ferry services were disrupted earlier this week, emphasizing the urgent need for an alternative mode of transportation.

Greenline Marine Inc. plans to operate two high-speed, all-electric, passenger-only ferries that will shuttle passengers between docks on Bowen Island, Gibsons, and Vancouver’s Coal Harbour. The ferries will include charging infrastructure at the Coal Harbour dock. The proposed schedule includes three daily round trips between Vancouver and Bowen Island with a sailing time of 40 minutes, and four daily round trips between Vancouver and Gibsons with a sailing time of 70 minutes.

The project is estimated to cost around $60 million and has received funding from B.C. Hydro, as well as support from Ottawa’s Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit. Callum Campbell, the founder of Greenline, expressed his excitement about the project, emphasizing the company’s commitment to making it a reality. Campbell, a naval architect with experience in designing car ferries, highlighted the simplicity of the ferry terminals, focusing on efficiency and convenience for passengers.

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Greenline has actively engaged with all three communities and First Nations, with a financial partner on board and vessel designs completed by naval architect firm BMT. The ferries will have capacity for 20 bicycles and four wheelchairs, catering to diverse passenger needs. Once operational, Greenline aims to sell 1,000 tickets per day, reducing car trips from B.C. Ferries destinations and providing cost savings for travelers.

Vancouver Coun. Rebecca Bligh emphasized the potential benefits of the electric passenger ferries in reducing congestion in the downtown area, improving air quality, and aligning with the city’s climate goals. Bligh, along with Park Board commissioners Brennan Bastyovanszky and Laura Christensen, will be presenting motions to council and park board to explore the integration of Greenline ferries at Harbour Green Dock.

The revitalization of Harbour Green Dock is seen as an opportunity to support sustainable, low-carbon transportation while preserving its recreational value. Bligh also highlighted the potential revenue generation of up to $1 million for the park board once the ferry service is operational. If successful, the Greenline ferry service would be the second passenger ferry service operating in Coal Harbour, following the launch of Hullo Ferries’ high-speed ferry service to downtown Nanaimo in August 2023.

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