BC Ferries is an asset-intensive business, and we recognize the importance of providing our service in an environmentally, financially and socially sustainable manner.
Investing sustainably
We invest in improvements to our fleet through repairs, maintenance of existing vessels, as well as purchasing and constructing new vessels. We also invest in our facilities and infrastructure in order to keep them in good working order.
What drives our investment decisions? Keeping customers and crew safe and moving, as well as creating a ferry system that is affordable and sustainable in the long term.
What drives our investment decisions? Keeping customers and crew safe and moving, as well as creating a ferry system that is affordable and sustainable in the long term.
To support our fleet and terminal infrastructure, in fiscal 2024, our teams invested approximately:
$130 million
of organics, cardboard, wood and mixed recyclable material from the landfill, the equivalent of 31.4% of all waste generated$93 million
in vessel upgrades and new vessel construction$69 million
in terminal and fleet maintenance facility-related improvements$30 million
in information technology and systems related improvementsRegular repairs and maintenance is a key part of ensuring our fleet’s longevity and reliability. Passenger ferries need to be refitted regularly as part of regular inspections to ensure they are safe to transport passengers and cargo, as well as ensure vessels pose no issue to other marine traffic.
In 2023/24, We made a number of other investments to ensure the safety and reliability of our fleet, including:
- Standardizing rescue boats and life raft davits
- Completing main drive motor rotor renewals on all Coastal Class vessels
- Spirit Class upgrades to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Our Supply Chain Management teams focus on delivering quality that is integral for the day-to-day provision of parts, and materials and supplies, while improving efficiency. In fiscal 2024, our teams successfully moved into our new warehouse in Delta.
We also implemented the use of a new procurement advertising platform that has reduced administrative steps in sharing public tendering information by more than 50%.
We also implemented the use of a new procurement advertising platform that has reduced administrative steps in sharing public tendering information by more than 50%.
With one of the largest and most complex ferry systems on the planet, technology plays a key role in ensuring things run smoothly. Last year, IT improvements continued to focus on improving customer experience through enhancements to the bcferries.com website and mobile app. This includes:
• Laying the groundwork to launch new webcams and current conditions for minor routes
• A virtual waiting room and web scheduled call back feature.
• Laying the groundwork to launch new webcams and current conditions for minor routes
• A virtual waiting room and web scheduled call back feature.
At the heart of the community
For Bowen Island residents, safe and reliable ferry service is critical to commuting to work, school, medical appointments and other travel needs. Snug Cove, the island’s only point of access, sees 15 to 16 ferry trips each day.
That’s why we invested $3.7 million into Snug Cove’s marine infrastructure to help strengthen structural elements, lay safer walkways, install new mechanical components and restore damaged concrete. Last year we invested $69 million in terminal and fleet maintenance facility-related improvements up and down the coast.
We also signed our largest ever single contract for a terminal project – a contract for more than $100 million to redevelop our Fleet Maintenance Unit site in Richmond.
Click to learn about what Snug Cove’s redevelopment means for the community.
Learn more
That’s why we invested $3.7 million into Snug Cove’s marine infrastructure to help strengthen structural elements, lay safer walkways, install new mechanical components and restore damaged concrete. Last year we invested $69 million in terminal and fleet maintenance facility-related improvements up and down the coast.
We also signed our largest ever single contract for a terminal project – a contract for more than $100 million to redevelop our Fleet Maintenance Unit site in Richmond.
Click to learn about what Snug Cove’s redevelopment means for the community.
Learn more
Charting the Course
In fiscal 2024, in response to evolving needs of many communities we serve, we embarked on a transformative journey to reshape our role in the delivery of coastal ferry services. Charting the Course aimed to identify what’s needed to keep our people, goods and services in coastal communities connected today and into the future.
Recieved input from strong community engagement
Thanks to the 9,400 people we heard from, we gathered vital input that is helping shape the future of a sustainable and realistic model. It also helps lay the foundation for long-term improvements.
Beginning of community collaboration
This work is just beginning and we have established a Joint Planning Committee with the BC Ferry Authority board to collaborate on and oversee the Charting the Course initiative to develop a strategic planning framework, develop a work plan for a new long-term vision and medium-term plan.
Defining key areas of focus
Based on the feedback we received, BC Ferries is focused on five key areas to inform our final vision:
- Service levels
- Integration of ferry services with the wider transportation network
- The role of coastal ferries in movement of goods
- Pricing and demand management
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Next Steps of Charting the Course
Further engagement will continue with other interest holders and the final vision is expected in early 2025.
When Cody Britz started with BC Ferries as a co-op student, he says he never imagined it would turn into a 12 year career.
“BC Ferries an important part of life for British Columbians and introducing new vessels and seeing the impact it has on communities is very rewarding. There are a lot of behind the scenes people who make what we do possible. It’s a great place to work and we have a great impact in the community that’s what’s made me stick around.”
—Cody Britz,
Warranty & Disposal Manager, Shipbuilding team
“BC Ferries an important part of life for British Columbians and introducing new vessels and seeing the impact it has on communities is very rewarding. There are a lot of behind the scenes people who make what we do possible. It’s a great place to work and we have a great impact in the community that’s what’s made me stick around.”
—Cody Britz,
Warranty & Disposal Manager, Shipbuilding team
What's ahead?
- Run a procurement process to select a shipbuilding partner for New Major Vessels.
- Commence building the new Island Class vessels.
- In fiscal 2025, investment in terminal infrastructure will continue to grow, to $231 million across 41 sites.
- IT improvements will include upgrades to the bcferries.com website, including continued improvements to current conditions data, such as vessel tracking maps, data available at terminal displays and minor route current conditions data.
- Plans to install charging infrastructure for Island Class vessels at some terminals in fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026.
- Develop a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing economic participation of First Nations
- Consolidate procurement and service agreement processes to decrease the cost of acquiring and managing processes with vendors