A plan to run two all-electric, 150-passenger ferries between downtown Vancouver, Bowen Island and Gibsons by 2027 is one step nearer after Metropolis of Vancouver officers introduced motions to expedite land use at Harbour Inexperienced Dock.
On Friday, representatives from all three ranges of presidency enthusiastically endorsed Greenline Marine Inc.’s plan, which has been within the works for 2 years.
“An option that takes cars off the road, relieves congestion in the Upper Levels [Highway] and connects Bowen Island residents to the mainland and the mainland visitors to us is long overdue,” mentioned Bowen Island Mayor Andrew Leonard, flanked by two Vancouver Park Board commissioners, one metropolis councillor, a Inexperienced MLA and Liberal MP.
Leonard cited the hardship created for his neighborhood this week after ferry service was lower off.
Greenline goals to run two high-speed, all-electric, passenger-only ferries between docks on Bowen Island, Gibsons and Vancouver’s Coal Harbour, the place there will likely be charging infrastructure.
Three each day spherical journeys are deliberate between Vancouver and Bowen Island, with a crusing time of 40 minutes. 4 each day round-tips are deliberate between Vancouver and Gibsons, with a crusing time of 70 minutes.
Designs from Greenline Marine Inc. present what its vessels and charging infrastructure would possibly seem like as soon as they’re in place at docks in downtown Vancouver, Bowen Island, and Gibsons. (Greenline Marine Inc.)
The corporate’s head mentioned the venture will value about $60 million, has feasibility research accomplished with funding by B.C. Hydro and can profit from Ottawa’s Clear Know-how Funding Tax Credit score.
“This is a super exciting project,” mentioned Callum Campbell, founding father of Greenline. “Greenline has the drive and expertise to make this real.”
Campbell is a naval architect who has designed and constructed automotive ferries for shoppers in North America. Earlier than Greenline, he labored for the province as its director of inland ferries.
“We’re not building lounges. We’re not building terminals,” he mentioned concerning the plans for Coal Harbour. “We’re there to serve people. They’ll board the ferry as the ferry charges, and then we’ll be off and running.”
Campbell mentioned his firm’s been doing engagement in all three communities and with First Nations. It has a monetary associate, and the vessel design has been accomplished by naval architect agency BMT. There will likely be area on the ferries for 20 bicycles and 4 wheelchairs.
A graphic from Greenline Marine Inc. designed to indicate what its vessels would possibly seem like. (Greenline Marine Inc.)
As soon as working, Greenline hopes to promote 1,000 tickets a day, which proponents say would cut back 500 automotive journeys from B.C. Ferries locations and finally save travellers about $20 per journey.
“An electric passenger ferry could help Vancouverites sail past congestion in the downtown peninsula, reducing vehicle traffic downtown and alleviating congestion, improving air quality, softening sound pollution and contributing to the city’s climate goals, ” mentioned Vancouver Coun. Rebecca Bligh.
Bligh and Park Board commissioners. Brennan Bastyovanszky and Laura Christensen are bringing joint motions to council and park board on the finish of the month that may look to have employees determine how Harbour Inexperienced Dock can accommodate the Greenline ferries.
“The Harbour Green dock has been a vital part of Vancouver’s waterfront, but its potential has never really been fully realized,” mentioned Bastyovanszky.
“That’s why the park board is taking an active role in exploring how this public asset can support sustainable, low-carbon transportation while maintaining its recreational value.”
Bligh mentioned the ferry service, as soon as working, may generate as much as $1 million in revenues for the park board.
If realized, the Greenline ferry service can be the second passenger ferry service to function in Coal Harbour.
In August 2023, Hullo Ferries started operating a high-speed ferry service between downtown Vancouver and downtown Nanaimo.
