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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.

The BC Ferries vessel Spirit of Vancouver Island passes between Mayne Island and Galiano Island while travelling from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen, B.C., on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
A conceptual drawing of one of four vessels B.C. Ferries is building for its major routes.
Image

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.