AF Theriault & Son Ltd., one of Canada’s largest privately-owned commercial shipyards, announced an exclusive partnership with New Zealand’s pioneering electric ferry design and technology company, EV Maritime.
This partnership has been formed in relation to Halifax Regional Municipality’s (HRM) upcoming procurement of electric ferries serving the community of Bedford, Nova Scotia. Expected to be completed in the 2027-2028 fiscal year, the entire project is estimated at CAD$258.7M and will include ferries, terminals and infrastructure to support Halifax’s growing demand for sustainable transport.
Integrated electrical and control systems
EV Maritime will supply cutting-edge, clean-tech design, technology and systems integration expertise, including integrated electrical and control systems. AF Theriault will manufacture and deliver up to five vessels, marking a significant shift from their traditional diesel-powered boats to electric ferries while drawing on their deep experience with advanced composite manufacture.
EV Maritime will fill cutting-edge, clean-tech design, technology and systems integration expertise
“This represents an important milestone for both our companies,” said Michael Eaglen, CEO of EV Maritime. “AF Theriault is a highly respected shipyard with over 80 years of history. They are the pioneering provider of ferries in their region and a mainstay of the rural Nova Scotia economy. Their ability to deliver complex, reliable vessels of this size is second to none and their existing background in marine renewable energy proves their commitment to innovation."
Expansion of Halifax’s ferry service
Eaglen added: “Our technology transfer business model is an integral component of this partnership. With two carbon composite battery electric fast ferries under construction at Auckland shipyard McMullen & Wing, we have built a robust knowledge-based framework that will see our team applying their skills, expertise and experience in designing fully electric mid-harbour commuter ferries to the requirements for the new Halifax electric ferry service.”
“Having built the last five ferries for Halifax, we are committed to supporting the expansion of Halifax’s ferry service,” said Gilles Theriault, President of AF Theriault. “We’re thrilled to be bringing EV Maritime on board as a partner as we start building fully electric ferries that will deliver long-term environmental and regional economic benefits, while also increasing public transport capability in the province."
EV Maritime’s design and technical teams
Theriault added: “Our visit to New Zealand was instrumental in solidifying this partnership. The opportunity to meet EV Maritime’s design and technical teams, key stakeholders in the transport, marine and international trade sectors along with seeing first-hand the two electric ferries commissioned by Auckland Transport which are nearing completion, underpins our confidence in delivering on our project and shared commitment to electric ferry technology.”
“EV Maritime’s long-term mission is to decarbonise the harbour cities of the world,” added Eaglen. “By partnering with local shipyards, we can enable them to become leaders in electric boat construction. We look forward to helping Halifax become a global exemplar for sustainable marine transportation and supporting AF Theriault to become a centre of excellence to accelerate Canada’s wider adoption of sustainable maritime technology.”
