Corvus Energy has secured a landmark contract to supply 40 MWh of battery capacity, 10 MWh per vessel, for BC Ferries’ four new Summit Class hybrid-electric ferries. Designed with future-ready architecture that can scale up to 70 MWh per ship, the vessels will utilize advanced Dolphin NxtGen™ technology to enable nearly emission-free operations. Scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2031, this initiative anchors BC Ferries’ largest fleet renewal program to date.
Bergen, Norway | August 11, 2026 – In what marks a massive milestone for global maritime decarbonization, Corvus Energy has been awarded a major contract to supply advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for four new hybrid-electric, double-ended passenger and car ferries operated by British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries).
Part of BC Ferries’ ambitious New Major Vessels (NMV) program, the company’s largest capital investment to date, the four new Summit Class vessels (Summit Arbutus, Summit Cedar, Summit Maple, and Summit Spruce) will feature some of the highest-capacity marine energy storage systems ever deployed.
Future-Proofing Fleet Renewal: 40 MWh Scaling to 70 MWh
Corvus Energy will deliver an initial 40 MWh of installed battery capacity, breaking down to 10 MWh per vessel. However, the engineering design goes far beyond immediate hybrid operations.
The installation includes battery interface bases and pack control systems pre-sized to accommodate an additional 60 MWh (totaling 70 MWh per vessel). This future-ready architecture allows the ships to transition seamlessly to nearly emission-free, all-electric sailing for up to two hours as local shore-charging infrastructure expands, eliminating the need for major structural retrofits down the line.
The systems will be driven by the Corvus Dolphin NxtGen™ Power system, which features next-generation liquid-cooled power cells, higher energy density, and upgraded safety architecture designed specifically for rigorous marine operational demands.
Technical and Strategic Synergy
BC Ferries selected Corvus based on a proven track record, including successful deployments on the operator’s existing Island Class fleet, combined with Corvus’ strong operational and manufacturing footprint right in British Columbia.
“We are delighted to be selected again by BC Ferries for this flagship project. BC Ferries continues to drive one of the most ambitious and technically advanced ferry electrification programs in the world,” stated Fredrik Witte, CEO of Corvus Energy. “Our Dolphin NxtGen technology brings the next leap in performance and safety… We are extra proud that these batteries have been developed at our Product Development Hub in Vancouver, BC.”
Designed in collaboration with naval architects LMG Marin, the new Summit Class vessels will be capable of carrying up to 360 vehicles and 2,100 passengers and crew each. They will utilize diesel-battery hybrid propulsion, fully compatible with biofuels or renewable diesel, operating on 25 primary routes that serve over 22 million passengers annually.
Project Timeline and Delivery
The vessels are being constructed by China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group Weihai Shipyard Co., Ltd.
- First Vessel Delivery: Scheduled for 2029.
- Fleet Completion: All four vessels are projected to enter service by 2031.
Ed Hooper, Head of Fleet Renewal, BC Ferries, emphasized the strategic necessity of dependable partnerships “When the new Summit Class vessels begin to arrive in 2029, we will be adding more capacity and building better reliability into the way we do business. These vessels will have a long lifespan and working with dependable, long-term partners like Corvus Energy, is key to our fleet renewal journey.”
About Corvus Energy
Headquartered in Norway, Corvus Energy is the world’s leading provider of zero-emission energy solutions for the maritime industry. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy storage systems suitable for nearly every vessel type, helping owners reduce emissions, improve operational efficiency, and ensure safe and reliable operations.
Corvus Energy’s solutions combine advanced battery technology, digital services, battery passport capabilities, cybersecurity, and global service support throughout the vessel lifecycle. With more than 1,350 projects delivered worldwide, Corvus Energy has established itself as a trusted partner in maritime decarbonization. Today, more than 50% of the world’s vessels equipped with zero-emission technology are powered by Corvus Energy systems.
Source: Corvus Energy