Tuesday June 10, 2025 | VANCOUVER, BC [Reporting from VICTORIA, BC]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
BC Ferries has announced that four new major vessels (NMVs) for service on their main routes will be constructed by a company in China called China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards (CMI Weihai).
The most heavily-traveled major sailing routes are between Swartz Bay (Victoria) and Tsawwassen (Vancouver).
BC Ferries originally requested permission for a bid for five vessels but the BC Ferries Commissioner declared in March 2025 that four would be enough.
CMI was selected following “a rigorous global procurement process that included a public Request for Proposals, comprehensive bid evaluations, international site visits, and independent third-party reference checks”, it was stated by BC Ferries today.
Construction of the first new vessel would start in the fall of 2026, with ship launch from China in 2027 for arrival in BC by the end of 2028; that first vessel will be in service by 2029 and all four vessels would be in service by summer 2031 (each new ship would arrive every six months), as itemized by BC Ferries today.
Choosing CMI:
CMI also had an order book that could accommodate new work, said Jiminez. It’s a company that is hoping to build its reputation in the world shipbuilding sector and as such, BC Ferries sees a productive partnership.
BC Ferries CEO Nicholas Jimenez seemed upbeat upon announcing the new contract during a Zoom call with media over the noon-hour today. He spoke highly of CMI Weihai as having “a strong track record” and said the contract is firm about protecting any price increase even as there are tariffs on steel and aluminum across the global trading system at this time.
BC Ferries put a strong emphasis on “strong value, balancing design, risk, safety, cost and delivery confidence,” said the BC Ferries CEO today.
CMI specializes in “roll on, roll off” passenger ferry construction, said Jiminez, noting one that is now operating in Atlantic Canada. According to today’s announcement, CMI has experience in meeting Transport Canada standards.
An on-site BC Ferries team will conduct regular inspections, monitor contract adherence, ensure compliance with safety standards, and manage quality assurance processes. The oversight covers all major subcontractors and suppliers.
An American agency called the American Bureau of Shipping did an assessment of the design and construction specs and going forward will act on behalf of Transport Canada during the inspection process.
BC Ferries will have their own personnel and some contracted specialists (for welding, coding and electrical) on site at the shipyard in China “at all times”, said Ed Hooper, Head of Fleet Renewal, BC Ferries, which will probably be about 20 people during the construction phase.
BC and Canadian firms and local contractors and tradespeople will over the years get a lot of the local business to build the ship dock infrastructure and maintain the new vessels. In the first 10 years over $230 million will be spent on maintenance, refits and ongoing support, said Jiminez today.
Seaspan based in Vancouver was not available to bid on the BC Ferries request for proposal for these four NMV’s, as they are fully absorbed with commitments to federal contracts at this time, it was stated during BC Ferries media session today.
Replacing the four older ships:
Every six months, one of the new ships will replace one of the older ships that service the major routes, i.e. the Queens of Alberni, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Cowichan.
Those ships are aging — each increasingly prone to mechanical issues and service disruptions, it was noted by Jiminez today. For example, the Queen of New Westminster is over 45 years old and has exceeded its operational lifespan.
Environmental considerations:
The new diesel/battery hybrid ships will be able to service any of the major routes, said Hooper. To start they will run on diesel and will be electric-ready for whenever BC Hydro has that capacity available.
The new ships are “expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and lower underwater radiated noise to better protect marine life”, according to BC Ferries today.
Passenger experience:
The new vessels are being designed for rising demand and will provide over 52% more passenger space.
The passenger experience will include wide walkways and accessibility throughout. Indoor pet lounges will be included as well as an outdoor pet deck area.
There will be 24% more vehicle capacity, offering relief for busy sailings.
Increased capacity for large commercial vehicles will help boost and sustain various aspects of the BC economy.
Construction cost comes later:
BC Ferries feels that disclosing the construction cost at this time would compromise their ability to secure the best value on future vessel procurements.
“The fixed-price contract to build these NMVs is within the approval limits provided by the BC Ferries Commissioner,” it was stated in a news release after today’s media session.
===== RELATED:
- Time for a ‘sick bay’ on BC Ferries major vessels? (June 25, 2025)
- Vancouver-Victoria ferry delays on Mother’s Day (May 11, 2025)
- Four new major BC Ferries vessels to service major routes (March 31, 2025)
- NEWS SECTIONS: BC FERRIES | TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION | INFRASTRUCTURE