A floating charge barge at Gibsons Harbour could power a new era of marine electrification in B.C, including the proposed Howe Sound passenger ferry service.
BC Hydro announced in a March 12 press release a $96,000 contribution towards a technical and commercial feasibility study to explore the installation of the modular charge barge. The innovative project is a joint effort involving the Town of Gibsons, Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority and Greenline Marine, the company proposing an electric ferry service to connect both Gibsons and Bowen Island with downtown Vancouver.
The findings of the feasibility study are expected in March 2025.
Next steps
Should it proceed, construction of the barge project is to be fully financed through a combination of federal incentives and private investment. According to the information provided, 3GA Marine Ltd., a leading Canadian naval architecture and engineering innovator, is working with Greenline Marine to develop the charge barge technology and is leading the comprehensive study. Designed to be built off-site and floated into existing dock infrastructure, the charge barge will offer high-capacity electric charging for a variety of vessels such as ferries, water taxis, tugs and fishing boats.
"Gibsons is well placed to lead the province in marine electrification," Greenline's chief executive officer Callum Campbell told Coast Reporter in a March 12 email.
In the release he noted that “while the need for electric boats might not seem obvious today, we’re witnessing a shift similar to what we saw with electric vehicles in the early 2000s. The same is happening with electric boats. They're gaining popularity, and we need to plan ahead and revitalize small craft harbours with 21st century infrastructure and technology.”
The proposed charge barge is expected to transform Gibsons Harbour into a hub for electric marine vessels, supporting the broader goal of reducing marine carbon emissions across B.C. Currently, marine vessels operating in the province contribute over 1.4 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. The release noted that the station could easily be replicated in small coastal communities across B.C.
“The charge barge project represents a critical and exciting opportunity for Gibsons to lead the way in marine electrification. This initiative aligns with our commitment to sustainability while enhancing the services we provide to commercial vessels that are crucial to our local economy. The charge barge will reduce pollution in our local waters, support tourism, and bring new investment and jobs to the harbour area,’ according to a release quote from Gibsons Mayor Silas White.
In addition, BC Hydro’s president and chief executive officer Chris O’Riley remarked in the release that “with more people and businesses wanting to reduce their use of fossil fuels, we are confident we’re taking the right steps to serve up more shore power and deliver clean and affordable electricity to those wanting to plug in."
