Large vessels with a smaller footprint planned for new BC Ferries designs

BC Ferries has revealed two cutting-edge conceptual designs for its major vessels program with the first of seven new ferries to be delivered in 2029. The main objective is to improve system capacity while prioritizing sustainability in meeting its mission of transporting clients between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, and the Sunshine Coast and mainland.

Replacing six aging counterparts by 2032, the vessels will each carry up to 360 vehicles and 2,100 passengers with a more eco-friendly, efficient, standardized design that promises to deliver an enhanced ferry experience.

BC Ferries has been working with naval architect firm LMG Marin AS to develop a vessel design that incorporates engines that can use bio- and renewable fuels, along with a battery-hybrid propulsion system that can easily be transitioned to full battery-electric operation in future.

A Request for Supplier Qualification (RFSQ) through shipbroker H. Clarkson and Co. Ltd. and bcbid.gov.bc.ca has been issued. An upcoming Request for Proposals this summer will help qualified shipyards to bring these sustainable vessel designs to life.