BC Ferries has formally submitted a proposal to the BC Ferries Commissioner to construct 5 new vessels, marking the largest capital investment in the organization’s history.
If approved, the project aims to enhance ferry capacity, reliability, and service for British Columbia’s coastal communities, addressing the increasing demand driven by population growth and economic activity.
The plan outlines the replacement of 4 aging vessels and the addition of a 5th ship, intended to serve the busiest routes between Vancouver City and Vancouver Island (Victoria BC).
These new ferries are expected to improve overall capacity by 28% for passengers and 19% for vehicles, effectively reducing wait times during peak travel periods.
The first vessel is scheduled to enter service in 2029, with all 5 expected to be operational by 2031.
Nicolas Jimenez (BC Ferries' CEO) emphasized the organization's responsibility to maintain reliable service, describing it as a "marine highway" essential for moving people and goods across the province. He noted that customers frequently report challenges in securing bookings during peak travel periods on major routes, and without the proposed vessels, the service may struggle to keep pace with increasing demand.
The expanded fleet is projected to facilitate ~130,000 additional tourists annually and support an increase in commercial truck traffic. This increase is anticipated to enable CA$240+ million worth of additional cargo transportation by 2035, boosting the regional economy.