Billy Bishop Airport’s Marilyn Bell I Ferry to Begin Final Phase of Conversion to 100 per cent Electric Power

Toronto (July 21, 2021) – On Thursday, July 22, PortsToronto will transport the Marilyn Bell I ferry from Billy Bishop Airport to the Toronto DryDock facility, where it will begin the final phase of its conversion to electric power. PortsToronto anticipates that the Marilyn Bell I will return to service in late 2021 as the first 100 per cent electric lithium-ion powered ferry in service in Canada – a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to the environment and maintaining balanced operations. Ferry service to and from Billy Bishop Airport will be maintained throughout this project by the David Hornell ferry.
 
The new propulsion system for the Marilyn Bell I will be entirely powered by battery and fueled by 100 per cent Bullfrog Power renewable electricity, enabling the electric ferry to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the airport’s ferry operation. In addition to operating more efficiently and eliminating related air emissions, the retrofitted vessel will build on the airport’s Noise Management Program, as it will operate far more quietly, dramatically reducing related noise in the surrounding community.