BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels program includes seven new ferries, expected to be in operation by 2029. The vessels will replace six existing major vessels that are nearing their end-of-life and will serve the busiest routes between Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast.

The new major vessels will carry up to 360 standard sized vehicles and 2,100 people, compared to a capacity of 250-310 vehicles and 1,200-1,500 people on retiring vessels. They are being designed to maximize efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In February 2024, BC Ferries issued a Request for Supplier Qualification (RFSQ) for the program, which closes on March 22, 2024. Qualified shipyards will then have the opportunity to take part in the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, currently expected to occur in the summer of 2024. The bidding process will be open to qualified local, national and international companies.

We have been advocating for significant Canadian and BC content in this program, unlike the more recent BC Ferries procurements, which were entirely built overseas.

BC has world-class shipbuilding capabilities and we are ready to help build these vessels to generate long-term economic benefits for our province.