BC Ferries to get 4 new major vessels after Commissioner approves purchase

BC Ferries’ aging fleet is set to undergo a renewal, as the independent BC Ferry Commission announced Monday its approval for the purchase of four new major vessels.

“I’m very pleased to be able to approve the replacement of the fleet’s four oldest major vessels,” said BC Ferry Commissioner Eva Hage in a statement. “It will mean a vast improvement in service, reliability, and capacity on BC Ferries’ busiest routes.”

The approval, however, is adjusted down from what the ferry service was asking for in its revised request in February. At that time, BC Ferries submitted a renewed proposal to the BC Ferry Commission requesting five new major vessels and renewing one legacy ship.

“Any option that doesn’t enable us to build five New Major Vessels now means our customers will be paying more for worsening service levels in the future as expected demand continues to grow,” explained Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO of BC Ferries, in February.

“Based on our analysis, building five vessels now is the most prudent approach to supporting affordability, reliability, and the long-term sustainability of the ferry system,” he added.

Monday’s newly approved vessels will replace the Queens of Alberni, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Cowichan — the “legacy” vessels that are the oldest in the fleet.

In the Commissioner’s explanation of its decision, Hage said the body had to decide whether any expenditure is “reasonable, affordable, and prudent.”

“Replacing the legacy vessels is essential in order to maintain safe, reliable service on the main routes,” Hage said. “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.”

BC Ferries’ proposal the fifth new vessel was not approved by the commissioner.

“Replacing the four legacy ferries will mean a much-needed increase in capacity and reliability,” said Hage. “A fifth vessel, however, is neither essential nor affordable at this time, and approving it would be fiscally irresponsible. It would put even more upward pressure on fares, place an even greater burden on taxpayers, and may lead to unsustainable debt levels at BC Ferries.”

Premier David Eby was asked about the discrepancy between the ferry company’s request and the commission it was granted Monday.

Eby says BC Ferries’ governance can be difficult to understand, and while he’s confident in the commissioner, he says his government will look over the new decision.

“The commissioner is independent and serves an important purpose of having a critical look at BC Ferries’ requests, their ability to cover the costs and the impact on the sailing public. It’s an important role, and it’s there for reason, and we’ll make sure that the decision benefits all British Columbians,” said Eby.

According to the commission, the new ferries are estimated to come into service in the spring of 2029.

The news of the expenditure approval comes as the Queen of Oak Bay remains in dock in Nanaimo on Monday due to a steering problem.

That vessel was only put back in service between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay just a little over two weeks ago due to a problem with its rudder.

The 10:40 a.m. sailing was cancelled, with further sailings at risk of cancellation.