The British Columbia Ferries Commissioner has approved the purchase of four new major vessels for BC Ferries.

The decision comes in response to BC Ferries’ application for five new diesel-battery hybrid, all-electric-ready ships as part of the New Major Vessels (NMV) project – the largest proposed capital expenditure in BC Ferries’ history.

The new vessels will replace the Queens of Alberni, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Cowichan. Known as the “legacy vessels,” they are the oldest major ships in BC Ferries’ fleet.

The new ferries are expected to serve BC Ferries’ major routes, with the first vessel estimated to enter service in the spring of 2029.

The ferries are reaching the end of their lives, and additional life extensions are not an option.

However, the proposal for an additional fifth vessel was not approved by the Commissioner.

BC Ferries Commissioner Eva Hage says replacing the four legacy ferries will mean a much-needed increase in capacity and reliability.

She says a fifth vessel, however, is neither essential nor affordable at this time.

Learn more at BC Ferries.