Each vessel will be equipped with approximately 20 FMD3005/FAR3005 multifunction workstations with MU270W Monitors, delivering shared Radar, ECDIS, conning, and alert management across both bridges. Two PS100 Planning Stations support voyage planning, while a six-Radar suite - two FAR3035SNXT S-Band and four FAR3025NXT X-Band Radars - provides all-weather detection and tracking.
Navigation sensors include dual SC130 Satellite Compasses, DS60 Speed Logs, and FE800 Echo Sounders, with redundancy provided by GP170 GPS and FA170 AIS units. Communications are centered on dual GMDSS Consoles and four FM8900S VHF Radios. Additional systems include remote displays, dual VR7000 VDRs, BNWAS watchkeeping, and HermAce for remote monitoring and cyber protection, in accordance with new standards.
The new BC Ferries hybrid-electric vessel will be equipped with FURUNO's most comprehensive integrated bridge and navigation suite.
The first of the four vessels is expected to start service in spring 2029 and all four vessels will be in service by 2031. Designed for future full-electric operation, the vessels will deliver a projected 52% increase in passenger capacity and 24% increase in vehicle capacity when compared with the ships that they will replace.
“This project represents a significant investment by BC Ferries in FURUNO next-generation bridge equipment systems. I’m confident that BC Ferries will enjoy our product reliability, functional competence, ease of operation, and comprehensive “industry best” service for decades to come. Thank you, BC Ferries!”
“BC Ferries is looking forward to working with FURUNO, and to the delivery of its innovative bridge systems equipment for the New Major Vessels. These systems are designed to support our crews with strong situational awareness and built-in redundancy, which is critical for operating safely and reliably in a complex coastal environment.”
With installations aboard commercial vessels, government fleets, and passenger ships worldwide, FURUNO continues to provide integrated bridge solutions that deliver reliability, safety, and performance in the most demanding maritime environments.
