Seaspan To Test New Battery Option

Vancouver Island’s premiere commercial freight service, Seaspan Ferries, will soon begin testing a Canadian built marine battery dubbed the “Blue Whale” considered to have enough storage capacity to power cargo vessels.

Offering storage specs 50% larger than current marine batteries, the “Blue Whale” allows longer zero-emission voyages while reducing engine noise and vibration, considered a much needed benefit to marine life and especially our local population of resident Killer Whales.

Ocean Supercluster CEO, Kendra MacDonald, also points to large reductions in GHGs adding, “We’re all on a journey towards cleaner and greener, so this is a perfect example of that journey.” 

The “Blue Whale” will be installed on the Seaspan cargo ferry “Reliant,” with ocean trials expected to wrap up by the Spring of 2022. 

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is providing $2-Million for the project with $2.15-Million coming from industry partners: Seaspan Ferries, VARD Marine, BC Hydro, and UBC.