BC Ferries Selects Shipyard To Construct Four New Major Vessels

BC Ferries has selected the company that will build four new major vessels.

Calling CMI Weihai a global leader in passenger ferry construction, and shipbuilding more broadly, BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez, says the company was the clear choice based on the overall strength of its bid, including its technical capabilities, high-quality and safety standards, ferry-building experience, and more.

BC Ferries says the company has a strong track record of building passenger and vehicle vessels for large international operators including in Italy and Sweden, along with vessels for Canada’s Marine Atlantic, giving the shipyard direct experience meeting Transport Canada regulatory requirements.

In their first 10 years of service, BC Ferries anticipates investing over $230 million locally on refits and scheduled maintenance for the four currently approved new major vessels, and more than $1 billion over their expected 45-year lifespans.

The NMVs will replace four aging ships nearing the end of their service lives, each increasingly prone to mechanical issues and service disruptions.

The boats are the cornerstone of BC Ferries’ long-term fleet renewal strategy, addressing the need to modernize aging vessels and infrastructure, and accommodate expected demand growth.

BC Ferries says it's on track to introduce 18 new vessels in 15 years.

Built with diesel-battery hybrid propulsion systems and designed with the capability to operate on full electric power in future, the NMVs are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and lower underwater radiated noise to better protect marine life.

They will also offer more space for vehicles and passengers with upgraded amenities.

To learn more, visit BC Ferries.