BC Ferries unveils new vessel concepts
Posted February 26, 2024 3:27 pm.
BC Ferries is sharing some conceptual renderings, showing what its new vessels may look like in 2029.
The two images are giving the public a first look at what up to seven ferries could look like when they hit the water in five years.
The vessels will provide more capacity, BC Ferries says, adding they will “replace up to six existing major vessels that are nearing their end-of-life and will serve the busiest routes between Vancouver Island and Metro Vancouver.”
BC Ferries President and CEO Nicolas Jimenez says the vessels will be “greener, more efficient, and standardized,” and will “significantly increase daily capacity, provide an enhanced customer experience, improve reliability and reduce environmental impacts.”
“The New Major Vessels program is the largest part of our capital plan to modernize and transform the ferry experience in British Columbia,” explained Jimenez.
The new boats will be able to carry up to 360 standard-sized vehicles, as well as 2,100 people. Currently, the vessels that are being retired can carry up to 310 vehicles and up to 1,500 people, the company notes.
BC Ferries says the added capacity will help it meet growing demand over the coming years.
The company notes the new “vessels will be standardized with others in the fleet,” allowing BC Ferries “to be more flexible in moving them between routes,” when needed, with more ease.
BC Ferries says the bidding process to build the vessels is open to companies that are qualified locally, nationally, and internationally. It adds the “basic designs” for the new ships is being done with LMG Marin AS.
