Commissioner Eva Hage says the four vessels were in the public interest, but the fifth — intended to serve as a relief ship — was not essential in the first phase
Commissioner Eva Hage says the four vessels were in the public interest, but the fifth — intended to serve as a relief ship — was not essential in the first phase
B.C. Ferries’ plan to purchase four new major vessels has been approved by the commissioner overseeing operations, but a proposal for a fifth that would have served as a relief ship has been turned down.
In a 27-page ruling released Monday, Commissioner Eva Hage determined the procurement of four major vessels was in the public interest, but said the fifth vessel was not essential in the first phase of a major vessel program.
B.C. Ferries had proposed ordering five new ships so it could retire the oldest vessels in the fleet — the Queen of Alberni, Queen of New Westminster, Queen of Coquitlam and Queen of Cowichan — while extending the life of the Queen of Surrey and the Queen of Oak Bay.
Chief executive Nicolas Jimenez said he’s disappointed by the decision not to fund the fifth vessel, which could end up costing more if it’s delayed.
“This is a missed opportunity to take advantage of fixed pricing to build five ships in a very affordable way for our customers,” Jimenez said in a statement. “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.
“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.”
The corporation said not keeping up with demand could have an impact on local economies, the tourism industry and the province’s supply chain.
B.C. Ferries’ data suggests the major routes are already almost at capacity during peak season.
Jimenez said shipbuilding costs and demand will continue to grow, “putting even more pressure on future fares and reliable service.”
He said B.C. Ferries will now “reassess how we can best deliver service in the future that customers, coastal communities, and local businesses expect.”
In its application, the ferry company said the five new ships were needed to handle record demand and rising passenger numbers.
It said the four older vessels are nearing the end of their lives and present a growing risk for mechanical breakdowns and service disruptions due to failure of aging steel structure and equipment and lack of availability of critical spare parts.
B.C. Ferries noted that in the final three months of last year, 149 sailings were cancelled due to mechanical issues.
Sailings on the major routes during 2024’s peak season ran at an average 92 per cent capacity, and many sailings were booked days in advance, the company said.
The planned major vessels program would be B.C. Ferries’ largest-ever investment in ships.
Details of the cost of the program have not been released by the commissioner, who said the numbers would remain confidential until after the project was complete.
The first of the new major vessels would be expected to enter the fleet in 2029, with the others following in six-month intervals.