BC Ferries hopes that five new vessels are approved by the Ferry Commissioner to meet growing demand.
The ferry-line says these vessels are part of an ongoing project focusing on increasing capacity and to lower the pressures of fares for customers, with five out of seven vessels completely designed.
They were designed with LMG Marin, a naval architecture and ship firm, with the goal of carrying up to 360 vehicles and 2,100 passengers.
Executive Director of Shipbuilding Ed Hooper says if approved by the commissioner, the vessels can help bring a more improved and reliable experience for customers.
“These new vessels will be quieter and cleaner than the vessels they replace, allowing us to achieve a significant reduction in our corporate greenhouse gas emissions,” said Hooper.
“They will move more people and vehicles, more efficiently, helping us maintain current schedules and contributing to reduced wait times.”
They also say if approved, the vessels will be among the largest double-ended ferries in the world.
This comes as the organization saw a record-breaking summer this year, with over 8 million passengers and 3.1 million vehicles travelling.
Along with the new vessels, BC Ferries adds pre-qualified shipyards can now take part in the Request for Proposals process, where contracts will be awarded in the spring of next year.
The first vessel is expected to launch in 2029, with all five to be in service by 2031. The other two vessels will be designed later.
