British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries) said in mid-January that it has chosen Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group to build four new hybrid electric vessels to add capacity and help improve the travel experience for passengers. BC Ferries said that it plans to operate the new vessels exclusively in battery-electric mode, using renewable hydroelectricity. Through a separate contract, BC Ferries is also initiating corresponding electrical upgrades for shore-based rapid charging at the four terminals on these routes in time for ship delivery. “The new hybrid electric vessels will further standardize our fleet, both increasing capacity and improving our flexibility to…