Toronto now has Canada’s First Truly Zero Emission, Lithium-Ion Electric Ferry

Toronto (December 15, 2021) – The Marilyn Bell I ferry, which connects passengers, vehicles and supplies to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, is now the first electric ferry service in Canada to be powered by a zero-emission, lithium-ion power and propulsion system containing no diesel components.

PortsToronto, owners and operators of Billy Bishop Airport, today celebrated the return to service of the Marilyn Bell I following its conversion to 100 per cent electric power. In operation since 2010, and upgraded to bio-diesel fuel in 2018, the vessel’s diesel generators and engines were removed in 2021 to make way for a new electric power and propulsion system and a suite of lithium-ion batteries fueled by 100 per cent Bullfrog Power renewable electricity.

“PortsToronto has made continuous and significant investment to make Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport cleaner, greener and quieter in an effort to create balance between our commercial operations and the surrounding community,” said Geoffrey Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, PortsToronto. “With the conversion of the Marilyn Bell to electric power we are ticking all of the boxes in our vision for this airport and its operations. In removing all fuel components of the Marilyn Bell and replacing with lithium-ion batteries we will eliminate all GHG emissions related to the operation of the ferry – Clean. We will power these lithium-ion batteries with 100% Bullfrog Power – Green. And we will significantly reduce the noise associated with ferry operations – Quiet,” said Wilson.

Powered entirely by electricity from clean wind and solar sources provided by Bullfrog Power, the retrofitted Marilyn Bell I has eliminated greenhouse gas emissions from the ferry operation, reducing the airport’s direct emissions by approximately 530 tonnes per year. In addition to operating more efficiently and eliminating related air emissions, the retrofitted vessel builds on the airport’s award-winning Noise Management Program, as it will operate far more quietly, dramatically reducing related noise in the surrounding community.

“The conversion of the Marilyn Bell ferry to fully electric power is an important milestone for Billy Bishop Airport. This made-in-Canada retrofit will help ensure this critical transportation link between downtown Toronto and the island is clean, efficient, and reliable for years to come.”— Hon.CarolineMulroney,OntarioMinisterofTransportation

“We want Toronto and all our great partners to continue to lead the way when it comes to addressing the impacts of climate change,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory. “The new zero emission electric ferry at Billy Bishop airport is a great initiative and a first of its kind in Canada. I want to thank PortsToronto for making this possible and look forward to seeing the new Marilyn Bell on our waterfront,” added Tory.

Fast Facts

•   The Marilyn Bell I returned to service at Billy Bishop Airport on December 15 following a 20-week retrofit, which saw its diesel generators and engines removed to make space for a zero-emission, lithium-ion power and propulsion system.
•   The vessel’s propulsion system is powered by battery and fueled by 100 per cent Bullfrog Power renewable electricity, eliminating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its operation and reducing Billy Bishop Airport’s direct GHG emissions by 530 tonnes per year.
•   In compliance with PortsToronto’s Sustainable Procurement Policy, three Canadian companies that share PortsToronto’s vision for sustainable operations were selected for this project. As developers of the winning concept and proposal, St. Catharines-based leaders in marine electrical engineering Canal Marine & Industrial Inc. (CANAL) were the prime designers for this project. The project’s naval architect is Concept Naval, Quebec- based naval architects and marine engineers, recognized for their innovative and customized solutions in Canada’s shipbuilding industry. PortsToronto also engaged Nova Scotia-based E.Y.E marine consultants to assist with the implementation of the project.
•   The airport’s ferry operation not only transports passengers, airport staff and essential supplies to and from Billy Bishop Airport, but also serves as a vital link for City of Toronto service vehicles to gain access to the Toronto Islands. In 2021, the airport’s ferry service enabled Toronto Island residents to access supplies during the pandemic, and students to attend school when ice cover on the harbour restricted regular access.
•   The conversion of the airport ferry to electric-power is one of Billy Bishop Airport’s key capital projects and cost approximately $3.8 million. This cost was paid in full by PortsToronto through the Airport Improvement Fee.
•   The Marilyn Bell I is named for the Canadian sports icon who was the first person to swim across Lake Ontario, and later the English Channel and Strait of Juan de Fuca

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