The independent commission that regulates B.C. Ferries has approved four new diesel-battery hybrid ships to replace the oldest working vessels in the fleet. Read More
The independent commissioner approved the purchase of four diesel-battery hybrid ships but rejected a request for a fifth
The independent commissioner approved the purchase of four diesel-battery hybrid ships but rejected a request for a fifth
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The independent commission that regulates B.C. Ferries has approved four new diesel-battery hybrid ships to replace the oldest working vessels in the fleet.
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When the first of the new ships comes into service, expected in spring 2029, they will begin replacing the so-called “legacy vessels”: the Queens of Alberni, New Westminster, Coquitlam and Cowichan.
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Commissioner Eva Hage said the ships will represent the largest capital expenditure in B.C. Ferries’ history, but is one vessel less than what the ferry corporation had asked for.
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B.C. Ferries had requested five ships as part of its new major vessels project. But Hage said the fifth was rejected because it is “neither essential nor affordable at this time, and approving it would be fiscally irresponsible.” She said it would have put upward pressure on fares, burdened taxpayers and could have led to unsustainable debt levels for B.C. Ferries.
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B.C. Ferries president and CEO Nicolas Jimenez called the decision not to build all five at the same time a “missed opportunity.”
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“We’re disappointed, and obviously at odds with this decision,” said Jimenez. “We put forward the strongest possible case on behalf of our customers to increase capacity and resiliency at the most affordable price.”
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He said the commission and B.C. Ferries disagree about future traffic demand and what customers are willing to accept in terms of waits and delays and the risk of breakdowns.
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“Our customers have been clear. They need more sailing capacity, fewer delays, and a ferry system that keeps up with demand in the coming years,” said Jimenez. “While four vessels will still provide some much-needed benefits, we believe we’re missing a critical opportunity to build a more resilient transportation network for the future at a lower price now.”
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The new ships are equipped to become all-electric to further reduce their carbon footprint in the future, said Hage.
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“Replacing the legacy vessels is essential in order to maintain safe, reliable service on the main routes,” said Hage in an announcement Monday.
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“These four ferries are reaching the end of their lives, and additional life extensions are not an option. Investing further in them would simply delay the inevitable expenditure; at the same time, it would increase the risk of mechanical breakdowns and service disruptions.”
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