Damen has signed a contract with the City of Toronto in Canada for the delivery of two ferries. The fully electric vessels will provide a major boost to sustainability in the region. They will operate between the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in downtown Toronto and the Toronto Islands, a major tourist destination, located in a high traffic area close to the shores of Lake Ontario.
Damen is building the Toronto Ferries at its Galati yard in Romania, to a design produced by Quebec- based Concept Naval. The naval architect company has developed the vessel design over the last two years in close cooperation with both the client and with Damen.
The ferries will be 50 metres long with a maximum beam of 13 metres. One of the vessels 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 says, “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 says, “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. Examples include a number of fully electric and hybrid vessels as Damen works towards its goal to become the most sustainable maritime solutions provider.