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BC Ferries Selects Chinese Shipyard to Build Four New Vessels

BC Ferries will station a team of experts at the Chinese shipyard to oversee construction after no Canadian yards submitted bids.

Overview

  • The four new ships will replace the aging Queen of Alberni, Queen of New Westminster, Queen of Coquitlam and Queen of Cowichan vessels.
  • The first vessel is expected to enter service in 2029 and three more will follow at six-month intervals.
  • The BC Ferry Commission approved four new ships in 2021 and rejected a fifth proposal over concerns about cost and necessity.
  • Transport Minister Mike Farnworth raised concerns over relying on a state-owned Chinese yard as Canada and China navigate ongoing trade tensions.
  • BC Ferries says the contract fits within commissioner-approved budget limits and the vessels are designed to last 45 years with over $1 billion in maintenance.