Damen Shipyards to build two electric ferries for City of Toronto

By

Laura Hyde |


27 September 2024

Damen Shipyards is to build two electric ferries for the City of Toronto at its Galati yard in Romania, following an order from the city government.  

Once complete, the ferries will operate between the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in downtown Toronto and the Toronto Islands. 

“We chose Damen for this new building project due to their outstanding track record,” said a City of Toronto spokesperson. “After a comprehensive RFP [request for proposal] process, Damen emerged as the top-ranked supplier, excelling in critical areas such as experience, operational capabilities, engineering expertise and competitive pricing.” 

The design of the two new fully electric ferries has been produced in collaboration with Quebec-based Concept Naval, who have spent the last two years developing the project. One of the 50-metre-long vessels will transport passengers and vehicles, and the other passengers and bicycles. 

“This project is designed to meet the needs of the city and the many users traveling to the Toronto Islands,” said Eric Garant, director general of Concept Naval. “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.” 

These ferries will be the 23rd and 24th ferries Damen has delivered to Canadian ferry operators in the last ten years. 

“The City of Toronto is taking a big step forward for reduced emissions public transport with these new ferries,” said Henk Grunstra, product director ferries at Damen. “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.”