Concurrent Technical Session 4C-1: The Path to Ferry Emissions Reduction

Globally, in 2018 shipping was estimated to contribute 1,076 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, or 2.89% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, having grown from 977 million tonnes and 2.76% in 2012 – contributing to the growing climate change impacts around the world. In response to this, governments and regulators at various levels are setting emission reduction targets – for example, the Government of British Columbia has set a target for the transportation sector of 27-32% emissions reduction against 2007 levels by 2030, while the International Maritime Organization (IMO) set a target of 40% reduction in carbon intensity of global shipping by 2030 compared to 2008, and to reach net-zero emissions by, or close to, 2050. To drive toward targets such as these, BC Ferries has gradually been implementing lower-emissions solutions for vessel powering and propulsion.  This presentation will walk through the steps that BC Ferries has taken on this journey of decarbonization, including by examining some of the challenges along the way and possible opportunities and solutions for the future. Specifically, the presentation will look at the transition from the legacy diesel-based fleet to LNG-powered ships (new-build Salish class and converted Spirit class), noting this was an economic rather than an emissions-reduction decision; the Baynes Sound Connector cable-ferry, the first all-electric BC Ferry; plans for and challenges with use of bio-diesel, as well as considerations around other fuel types; and eventually to the phased electrification for new minor and major ship classes, first as hybrid vessels then eventually, with terminal electrification, as fully-electric ferries.

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Concurrent Technical Session 4C-2: Designing a safe battery space

Battery safety at sea has long focused on containing risks—designing systems that protect vessels, equipment, and crew from potential battery hazards. This approach has driven maritime standards to an exceptionally high level. But safety is a two-way challenge: how do we also protect the batteries themselves from the demanding conditions of the marine environment? In this session, we turn the perspective around. We’ll explore what it takes to design resilient and secure battery spaces on board ships, addressing critical factors such as firefighting strategies, ventilation solutions, and system integration. Join us to uncover the key design choices that ensure both safety and performance in real-world maritime operations.