The Atlantic Canadian ferry service, Marine Atlantic, will soon have a new vessel to join its fleet. The MV Blue Puttees, the first of two new ferries, has taken to the water at a shipyard in Germany. The new ships represent a significant upgrade for the ferry service, offering enhanced capacity and improved passenger amenities. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the new vessel and what it means for travelers to and from Atlantic Canada.
On 28 March, China saw the launch of Marine Atlantic’s latest dual-fuel battery hybrid ferry which is expected to be delivered in 2024. The ship, known by its yard number W0279, is the shortest vessel in the E-Flexer class at 202.9m long. Stena’s E-Flexer platform has seen nine vessels delivered so far, all of which have been about 215m or 240m in length. Marine Atlantic’s E-Flexer is the first in the class to incorporate battery hybrid technology, designating it as the start of the third generation of this class. It has a capacity of about 1,000 passengers and will accommodate 2,571 lane metres of vehicles, including 476 lane metres for private cars. Earlier this month, the P&O PIONEER arrived in UK waters for the first time with the largest installed battery capacity of any ship in the world so far at 8.8MWh.
As the brand new Marine Atlantic ferry takes to the water, it marks a significant step forward in maritime travel. With state-of-the-art features and increased capacity, this vessel will provide a comfortable and efficient means of transportation for passengers and freight alike. As we look forward to its official launch, we can’t help but be excited for the future of the Canadian maritime industry. With advancements like this, we can be sure that our coastal communities will continue to flourish and thrive. So, hop on board and let’s set sail towards a brighter tomorrow!
