Here's the plan to run electric ferries between downtown Vancouver, Bowen Island and Gibsons
On Friday, representatives from all three levels of government enthusiastically endorsed Greenline Marine Inc.'s plan, which has been in the works for three years.
"An option that takes cars off the road, releases congestion in the Upper Levels [Highway] and connects Bowen Island residents to the mainland and the mainland visitors to us is long overdue," said Bowen Island Mayor Andrew Leonard, flanked by two Vancouver Park Board commissioners, one city councillor, a Green MLA and Liberal MP.
Leonard cited the hardship created for his community this week after ferry service was cut off.
Greenline aims to run two high-speed, all-electric, passenger-only ferries between docks on Bowen Island, Gibsons and Vancouver's Coal Harbour, where there will be charging infrastructure.
Three daily round trips are planned between Vancouver and Bowen Island, with a sailing time of 40 minutes. Four daily round-tips are planned between Vancouver and Gibsons, with a sailing time of 70 minutes.
Designs from Greenline Marine Inc. show what its vessels and charging infrastructure might look like once they are in place at docks in downtown Vancouver, Bowen Island, and Gibsons. (Greenline Marine Inc.)
The company's head said the project will cost about $60 million, has feasibility studies completed with funding through B.C. Hydro and will benefit from Ottawa's Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit.
"This is a super exciting project," said Callum Campbell, founder of Greenline. "Greenline has the drive and expertise to make this real."
Campbell is a naval architect who has designed and built car ferries for clients in North America. Before Greenline, he worked for the province as its director of inland ferries.
"We're not building lounges. We're not building terminals," he said about 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 said his company's been doing engagement in all three communities and with First Nations. It has a financial partner, and the vessel design has been completed by naval architect firm BMT. There will be space on the ferries for 20 bicycles and four wheelchairs.
A graphic from Greenline Marine Inc. designed to show what its vessels might look like. (Greenline Marine Inc.)
Once operating, Greenline hopes to sell 1,000 tickets a day, which proponents say would reduce 500 car trips from B.C. Ferries destinations and ultimately save travellers about $20 per trip.
"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, " said Vancouver Coun. Rebecca Bligh.
Bligh and Park Board commissioners. Brennan Bastyovanszky and Laura Christensen are bringing joint motions to council and park board at the end of the month that will look to have staff figure out how Harbour Green 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," said 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 said the ferry service, once operating, could generate up to $1 million in revenues for the park board.
If realized, the Greenline ferry service would be the second passenger ferry service to operate in Coal Harbour.
In August 2023, Hullo Ferries began running a high-speed ferry service between downtown Vancouver and downtown Nanaimo.
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