PortsToronto is converting one of its ferries to electric power. The Marilyn Bell I passenger/vehicle ferry will be the first of its kind in Canada after its retrofitting with an electric propulsion system. The vessel will run on batteries powered by 100% Bullfrog Power renewable electricity. The estimated $2.9-million conversion will eliminate 530 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually from the airport’s ferry operations, along with operating far more quietly.
As the owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, PortsToronto selected three Canadian enterprises to do the retrofit: E.Y.E. Marine Consultants, as well Canal Marine & Industrial Inc. and Concept Naval (the latter two being Green Marine partners). The service providers were selected in accordance with PortsToronto’s sustainable procurement policy. The project is expected to be completed this year after its COVID-19 delay in 2020.