CIRQL Ferries: Tailor-made for BC waters

Unlike most vehicles, ferries are not interchangeable. Every successful ferry service begins with a vessel designed for the environment in which it will operate and the passengers it will carry. This means the ferry operator must take the time to understand local conditions and expectations and apply that knowledge to vessel design.

Together with the global maritime design agency BMT, CIRQL Ferries is continuing to refine a ferry concept purpose-built for British Columbia – one that delivers an exceptional passenger experience while drawing on proven technologies to reduce the overall project risk. Our design is founded on a catamaran hull form which provides stability and comfort in BC's unique waters.

Designing for Local Conditions

Although all-electric ferries have been operating successfully around the world for several years, no existing vessel would be exactly suitable for routes in British Columbia. For example, while our design draws inspiration from MS Medstraum, which has successfully demonstrated the benefits of all-electric propulsion, the Medstraum's hull form is optimized for calmer waters than those found on many British Columbia routes.

In December 2023, CIRQL Ferries began working with BMT on a vessel concept for our service that reflects the unique operating conditions of coastal British Columbia. From local sea conditions and route requirements to passenger expectations and operational efficiency, the design has been tailored to support reliable, year-round service. Recent refinements of the design, including enclosed bridge wings for greater protection from the elements, are the result of CIRQL Ferries’ detailed consideration of how the vessel will operate best in real-world conditions.

De-risking the Opportunity

A key focus throughout the design process has been balancing innovation with practicality. Although the vessel design incorporates cutting-edge technologies, these aspects have been carefully vetted by marine industry experts in order to reduce risk and ensure reliable operation above all. Drawing on extensive global experience in ferry and passenger vessel design, the BMT team has selected proven technologies and adapted them to the specific requirements of British Columbia's coastal waters. This approach, combined with CIRQL Ferries' operational expertise, helps ensure the success of our first routes and builds confidence in the project's future development.

A Better Passenger Experience

A key part of the design process is to incorporate knowledge about passenger needs and expectations. CIRQL Ferries continues to collect information from stakeholder groups to ensure that the vessel design lends itself to a pleasant onboard experience.

Electric ferries offer inherent benefits, too: with quieter operation, reduced vibration and a smoother experience onboard, they can significantly enhance the passenger experience. The CIRQL Ferries vessels have been designed to provide a comfortable and accessible journey, helping make travel between coastal communities more enjoyable and convenient than ever.

By combining BMT's global ferry design experience with CIRQL Ferries' operational vision and local route knowledge, we've developed a vessel concept that is efficient, sustainable and tailored to the needs of British Columbia's coastal communities. We're proud to support CIRQL Ferries from early concept development through to future construction and entry into service, demonstrating how close collaboration can create practical, passenger-focused transport solutions.

- Henry Stonehouse, Senior Naval Architect, BMT