BC Ferries is about to make a major investment as it works towards the first five of seven new vessels needed for its busiest routes.
The New Major Vessels (NMV) project, part of BC Ferries’ largest capital investment to date, aims to increase ferry capacity, replace aging vessels, and accommodate growing demand on the busiest routes.
On Monday, the transportation company announced it is advancing the procurement process for five of the seven new ships required for these routes, with plans to build the remaining two vessels in a later phase.
The project also includes extending the operational life of two existing ferries, the Queen of Surrey and the Queen of Oak Bay, through upgrades carried out by local shipyards and contractors.
“Our customers have been clear – they expect reliable service and affordable fares, and this approach directly addresses both,” said Nicolas Jimenez, President and CEO of BC Ferries.
“By adopting a phased strategy, we can responsibly increase capacity and resilience while carefully managing our investments to minimize fare pressures for customers. Additionally, the flexibility to refine the final two vessels based on insights from the initial builds and operational performance ensures we deliver the best possible service for the future.”
The new vessels, designed in collaboration with naval architecture firm LMG Marin, will be capable of carrying 360 vehicles and 2,100 passengers, a notable improvement over the older vessels’ capacity of 250-310 vehicles and 1,200-1,500 passengers.
These ships will also incorporate modern, energy-efficient technologies to reduce emissions and operate more sustainably.
According to Ed Hooper, Executive Director of Shipbuilding at BC Ferries, these vessels will contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and quieter operations, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
BC Ferries recently saw record-breaking summer traffic, with over 8 million passengers and 3.15 million vehicles transported between June and August 2023.
With increasing demand for ferry services, especially during peak seasons, the new vessels are expected to help reduce wait times and support the region’s growing population and economy.
Without these upgrades, BC Ferries predicts that by 2035, current capacity on major routes could be exceeded, leading to longer waits and potential disruptions to tourism and goods delivery.
The procurement process for the new vessels is ongoing, with shipbuilding contracts expected to be awarded by Spring 2025, pending approval from the Ferry Commissioner.
The first of the five vessels is projected to enter service in 2029, with all five operational by 2031. The remaining two ships are anticipated to be in service by 2037, following the second phase of the project.
As BC Ferries moves forward, the company remains focused on providing safe, reliable, and affordable ferry services to meet the needs of coastal communities across British Columbia.
