Introducing a Floating Solution to Electric Vessel Charging
- Greenline Staff
- May 5
- 5 min read
Electric boats, like electric cars, need to replenish their energy by charging their batteries at regular intervals. This requirement means Greenline’s fast, zero-emission ferry service depends on the availability of reliable, high-capacity electric charging infrastructure at each of its planned landing sites.
If an electric ferry were to plug into shore power, major electrical upgrades would be required at the waterfront, and electricity demand would peak in the area whenever a vessel required a charge.
Greenline has worked with partners to design an elegant solution: a “charge barge”, which is a floating platform that stores clean energy and delivers high-power charging to vessels without overloading the electrical grid. Built offsite and floated into place, it also serves as a self-contained ferry landing each time the vessel delivers passengers to the site.
The Shift to Electric Vessels
Leaders in the maritime industry say all-electric vessel technology has advanced rapidly, creating the right conditions for electrification. “In the maritime industry globally, we’re witnessing a shift similar to what we saw with electric vehicles in the early 2000s,” said Callum Campbell, CEO of Greenline Marine. “Electric vessels are gaining popularity. The charge barge is an important way that we can plan ahead, revitalizing small craft harbours with 21st century infrastructure and technology.”
With a $96,000 contribution from BC Hydro, Greenline’s first-in-class charge barge design is now complete. This first design, configured specifically for the landing site at Gibsons, will serve as a model for future installations in downtown Vancouver and Bowen Island. The three charge barges will power Greenline’s first two passenger-only electric ferry routes between Vancouver and Gibsons, and Vancouver and Bowen Island.
“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,” said Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “We are committed to helping organizations like Greenline Marine develop solutions to enable charging at B.C.’s ports and harbours.”
Designing for All-Electric Vessels
The charge barge solves three major challenges for all-electric infrastructure: grid capacity, dock capacity, and public charging access.
Grid capacity. The charging requirements for an electric ferry are far greater than even the most powerful EV superchargers. Delivering that magnitude of power directly from the electrical grid would require major capital electrical upgrades and would impose significant loads on the grid during vessel charging. Instead, the charge barge has an onboard battery bank that charges steadily from the grid over time, then rapidly transfers power to the vessel during its brief docking time. This approach makes use of available grid capacity with a steady and predictable charge, and eliminates the need for major infrastructure work. Greenline’s feasibility study confirmed that, using this method, the existing electrical grid in Gibsons can support up to four round-trip sailings per day.
Dock capacity. In discussion with the Town of Gibsons and the Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority, another constraint Greenline heard about was the limited availability of dock space. Gibsons Landing is a busy working harbour, and often reaches its capacity of vessels. Moreover, reserving dock space for the commercial fishing industry is an absolute priority. Because it is not possible to dedicate docking space at Gibsons for the Greenline ferry that wouldn’t come at the expense of some other user, the only real solution is to expand the facility with additional docking space. The charge barge, which is a self-contained floating terminal, expands docking capacity without encroaching on others.
Public access. While designed to support Greenline’s high-speed electric ferries, the charge barge also provides charging for public users, such as pleasure boaters, and small commercial vessel operators. General charging for other public users is made available via dedicated CCS1 charging units — the same standard as EVs.
Charge Barge Features
Engineering for the charge barge was led by 3GA Marine, with architectural design by Boniface Oleksiuk Politano (BOP) Architects. Through the work of these collective efforts, the platform combines technical performance with thoughtful design features to meet both operational and community needs. “The charge barge project is a creative solution to add electric charging capacity to existing small craft harbours,” said Daniel McIntyre, Vice President of 3GA Marine Ltd. “This type of project helps shape the future of Canada's maritime sector and facilitates the electrification of ferries, tugs, fishboats and small commercial vessels.”
The exact site for the charge barge is still unconfirmed, but for engineering purposes the site selected is just outside the Gibsons Landing breakwater. Access to the barge from the breakwater boardwalk is facilitated by a long wide gangway. Onboard the barge, there are two deckhouse blocks – one providing space for two containerized battery units, each at 5MWh, and one containing the e-house for the megawatt charging system, with additional space for storage. A small service kiosk is also present.
Functionally, the barge is designed to accommodate mooring of one ferry (outboard), as well as up to two small pleasure craft (inboard). Upon arrival of the ferry, after the vessel has been tied up, the short ramp to the vessel is extended for offloading and loading passengers. Separately, the plug from the dispenser located at the deck edge will be connected to the ferry and once protocols are met, charging begins. Pleasure boats on the inboard side of the barge are provided with CCS1 charging units, similar to EV chargers. Basic specifications are provided below.
Technical Specifications
Type | Barge, non-propelled |
Length | 32.1 metres |
Width | 10.4 metres |
Depth | 3.05 metres |
Design Draft | 1.7 meters |
Construction | Steel |
Input Power | 400 kW |
Output Power | 1.8 MW |
Battery Type | Lithium Iron Phosphate |
Battery Capacity | 7 MWh to 10 MWh |
Charging Dispenser | Manual Megawatt Charging System |
On-board Systems | Fire suppression, house loads, fresh water, CCS1 charging |
In its prominent position on the waterfront, the charge barge is designed to be welcoming and practical. The look is clean and contemporary, with a long canopy that bridges across the deckhouses, creating visual cohesion and providing shelter for passengers. A central waiting area includes seating, and a service kiosk provides space for ticket sales or light refreshments. From the breakwater boardwalk to vessel boarding, passenger flows are facilitated by clear lines of sight, which make for easy wayfinding, supports accessibility, and reduce congestion. Robust railings and perforated metal screens give the structure a strong, unified look. Both deckhouses are likewise sheathed with a textured cladding.
A Model for Other Sites
Representatives from the Town of Gibsons look forward to the changes ushered in by building electric vessel infrastructure. “The charge barge project represents a critical and exciting opportunity for Gibsons to lead the way in marine electrification,” said Silas White, Mayor of Gibsons. “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 is a modular, replicable solution that can be adapted to other sites. Greenline’s team will be configuring this elegant design for Seymour Bay as well as its landing site in downtown Vancouver. “Vancouver enjoys a beautiful but under utilized waterfront and this new service offers what we hope is the beginning of an exciting revisiting of the possibilities of maritime mobility in the city and region, said Shane Oleksiuk of BOP Architects. “BOP is thrilled to support Greenline in helping shape how we could move and connect people sustainably and seamlessly from shore to shore.”
