FAQs
BC Ferries will build four New Major Vessels in the current procurement phase. The first is expected to enter service in 2029, with all four operational by 2031. A fifth vessel, originally proposed to enhance capacity and resiliency, was not approved by the Ferry Commissioner. BC Ferries maintains that the fifth vessel is in the public interest and continues to pursue future opportunities to introduce it through a second procurement phase.
What is the expected timeline for these vessels to be completed and operational?
The first of the New Major Vessels will enter service in 2029, with the first four all joining the fleet by 2031. This timeline ensures that we maintain service reliability while strategically scaling our capacity to meet increasing demand.
BC Ferries’ fleet renewal plan has been in development for several years, but building new ships is a complex process that requires careful planning and significant financial investment. During this time, we’ve also focused on keeping our current vessels in service and optimizing schedules to meet demand.
Our goal is to ensure the new vessels not only address current capacity but are also prepared for future growth along the coast. It’s worth noting that a vessel replacement project was initiated in 2017-2018 and progressed to an RFP stage in 2019-2020, however it was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Which of the current vessels are retiring?
The vessels that are being retired are as follows:
- Queen of Alberni: Oct 2029
- Queen of Coquitlam: Sept 2030
- Queen of New Westminster: Oct 2030
- Queen of Cowichan: Oct 2031
After their life extensions, we would expect the Queen of Surrey and the Queen of Oak Bay to be retired sometime after 2036. Retiring these vessels is a necessary part of modernizing our fleet. By introducing newer, more reliable ships to our fleet, we are increasing our ability to deliver seamless, efficient service.
Which routes will the new vessels service?
While specific routes are yet to be determined, the new vessels are designed to serve our busiest corridors between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. Their increased capacity and efficiency will significantly reduce congestion, helping us better meet customer demand and ensuring more reliable service for coastal communities.
How will these new vessels affect fare prices for customers?
Our priority is to enhance service while keeping fares affordable for our customers. The phased approach allows us to manage costs effectively and reduce fare pressures, while ensuring that service reliability and capacity continue to improve. We work closely with the BC Ferry Commissioner to ensure our investments are aligned with maintaining fare affordability while delivering the reliable service that coastal communities rely on. Our current fare structure has been approved to 2028, so any changes would not take effect until after that time, pending approval from the Commissioner.
Why is a net new twelfth major route vessel needed?
The addition of a twelfth vessel to our Major Route fleet would ensure we have the capacity to accommodate future growth, minimize service disruptions, and extend the life of our fleet—all while maintaining a focus on affordability for our customers.
Outside of providing the necessary additional capacity in the peak season, the additional vessel will provide much-needed service in the shoulder-season and off-season. Our major vessels all come out of service annually for scheduled refits, and as demand is increasing, we are facing capacity constraints even outside of the peak season. With our biggest vessels undergoing maintenance in the fall and winter, we need the relief of an additional major vessel to meet the needs of BC’s growing population.
Having a new vessel for refit relief in the off-peak and shoulder seasons will also help us provide a consistent service offering to our customers year-round and allow more efficient crew familiarization and training, as we are reducing the number of vessel classes operating out of our major terminals. For example, at our Tsawwassen terminal, we will go from navigating the familiarization and training needs of four different vessel classes to those of only two vessel classes, meaning our crew will be able to switch between vessels and manage the frequent vessel changes during refit season much more efficiently.
Why did BC Ferries choose an international shipyard instead of building the vessels in British Columbia or elsewhere in Canada?
BC Ferries conducted a rigorous global procurement process that included a public Request for Proposals, comprehensive bid evaluations, international site visits, and third-party reference checks. The process was open to qualified shipyards around the world, including those in Canada.
Following this evaluation, CMI Weihai was selected based on the overall strength of its bid, including its ferry-building experience, proven ability to deliver on dependable timelines, technical capabilities, safety and quality standards, and the value it offers to customers.
Was a Canadian or BC-based shipyard able to bid on this project?
Yes. The procurement process was open to all qualified shipyards, including those in Canada and British Columbia. CMI Weihai was selected following a competitive evaluation of all submissions received.
How will these vessels support jobs and investment in British Columbia?
While the vessels will be constructed overseas, refits, scheduled maintenance, crew training, and operations will take place in British Columbia. In the first 10 years of service, BC Ferries expects to invest over $230 million locally to support these vessels, and more than $1 billion over their expected 45-year lifespans. This work will support skilled trades, create local jobs, and generate long-term economic benefits for British Columbia’s marine sector.
