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Building new ferries to better connect communities and customers on our busiest routes

We’re excited to announce a major milestone in our journey to build new major vessels, which will serve our busiest routes and replace aging ships in our fleet.

On September 16th, we officially released the Request for Proposals (RFP) to pre-qualified shipyards, inviting bids to build the first five vessels, with contracts expected to be awarded in the spring of 2025, pending approval from the Ferry Commissioner. The first of these vessels is expected to enter service in 2029, with all five operational by 2031. Two additional vessels are planned for a later phase, bringing the total to seven by 2037.


More capacity and innovative design

The new vessels will serve our busiest routes between Vancouver Island and the lower mainland, offering increased capacity and a state-of-the-art travel experience. Each vessel will be capable of carrying up to 2,100 passengers and 360 vehicles, significantly improving service and capacity on our busiest sailings. The vessels are designed with future sustainability in mind, including the potential for fully electric operation when supporting infrastructure becomes available.

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Two conceptual renders of our New Major Vessels are the first look at what up to seven new ferries could look like when they enter operation starting in 2029.
 

Enhanced experience for crew and passengers

By introducing a new, consistent class of ships, we are not only ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers, but also improving operations for our crew. Standardized vessel design will create efficiencies in crew training and allow for easier vessel redeployment during maintenance, reducing disruptions. This approach enhances the overall resiliency and reliability of our fleet while lowering long-term operational costs.


Supporting the Province’s CleanBC goals

We are proud to support CleanBC’s objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. These hybrid vessels are designed with energy efficiency at the forefront, utilizing bio/renewable fuels and battery technologies. As infrastructure evolves, they will be ready for conversion to fully electric operation, aligning with our commitment to environmental sustainability.


In operation starting in 2029

Our vessel replacement process follows a rigorous planning and procurement model to ensure the best value for ferry users. With September’s RFP release, we are taking the next step toward having the first new major vessel in operation by 2029. You can learn more about the status of the New Major Vessels project in our latest news release.

 

Testing a new vessel's design and build

Using scale models in state-of-the-art tow tanks and ocean basins helps us determine how a new vessel will perform once at sea.
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