New modern vessels for our busiest routes, coming soon
The New Major Vessels (NMV) project is the largest capital project in BC Ferries’ history. The project plans to deliver new vessels to service the busiest routes, addressing the urgent need to replace aging ships, address capacity constraints, prepare for future growth, and improve overall system resilience. Several of our existing ferries are reaching end of life, and we need to expand the size of our fleet to meet customer expectations.
We are not just replacing aging vessels but building for the future. By introducing new ships to replace our oldest vessels and extending the life of others where possible, we are enhancing fleet resilience and ensuring we have the capacity to accommodate future growth and minimize service disruptions, all while maintaining a focus on affordability for our customers. The NMVs design prioritizes comfort, accessibility, and environmental stewardship, aligning with passenger needs and preparing BC Ferries for future growth.
Four New Major Vessels approved – but more capacity is needed
In March 2025, our independent regulator, the BC Ferry Commission approved the procurement of four New Major Vessels (NMVs), marking a significant milestone in our ongoing fleet renewal efforts. However, the Commission rejected our proposal to build a fifth vessel, limiting our ability to add essential capacity on our busiest routes to meet the needs of BC’s growing population, the tourism industry, supply chains, and our economy.
In December 2024, our application to the Commission proposed the procurement of five NMVs—four to replace the aging C-Class ferries, which are over 40 years old and increasingly prone to mechanical issues, and a fifth vessel to expand fleet capacity and resiliency. In February 2025, a supplemental application reinforced in detail that building five vessels now is not only necessary, but more cost-effective. Building five vessels now would have leveraged fixed-price bids from shipyards and economies of scale, giving greater certainty over long-term costs and enhancing service reliability.
Why we advocated for five vessels
Growing demand
BC’s population is projected to increase by 44% by 2046, yet major route capacity has barely grown in 30 years.
Capacity pressures
In 2024, peak-season sailings on our busiest routes between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland ran at 92% capacity, with many fully booked days in advance. Nearly 250,000 customers faced delays last summer, often due to aging vessels.
Economic impact
The BC Trucking Association estimates that a single sailing cancellation costs the sector over $100,000—costs ultimately passed on to consumers.
Rising costs
Securing a fifth vessel now would lock in fixed pricing and reduced future financial risk.
Support from the public and industry leaders
In a December 2024 survey of 2,000 customers conducted by BC Ferries, 95% of respondents agreed with the plan to add an additional vessel to the fleet. Customers made it clear that moving forward with these investments is critical to improving their travel experience.
What this decision means for you
Without a fifth vessel in this build phase, customers will continue to experience increasing waits and the impacts of breakdowns. While the four new vessels will be larger than those they will replace, demand is projected to grow even faster. This means an overall decline in capacity by the time the four ships enter the water, leading to longer waits for customers, negative economic impacts on communities, increased risks of delays in the supply chain, and potential slowdowns for coastal tourism industries. We remain committed to advocating for the long-term resilience of the fleet and will continue working with the Province to ensure sustainable, reliable ferry service for British Columbians.
