On 1 November 2024 Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania laid the keel for the first two of four fully electric ferries for BC Ferries. The keel-laying ceremony marked an important milestone in the third phase of construction of the Island Class Ferries, which will bring the total number of Damen vessels in the BC Ferries fleet to ten.
During the second phase of the programme, Damen delivered four hybrid diesel-electric ferries. These reduced emissions vessels paved the way for the development of fully electric vessels. The Damen RoRo 8117 E3 design can transport up to 390 passengers, together with up to 47 vehicles, between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island, and Campbell River and Quadra Island.