The British Columbia Ferries Commissioner has approved a capital expenditure by BC Ferries to purchase four new diesel-electric hybrid vessels, according to a statement released March 31.
The vessels will replace the Queen of Alberni, Queen of New Westminster, Queen of Coquitlam, and Queen of Cowichan — the four oldest major ships in the fleet. The new vessels are expected to operate on BC Ferries’ busiest routes, with the first scheduled to enter service in spring 2029, the commission said.
The approval follows BC Ferries’ application to procure five vessels under its New Major Vessels project, described by the commission as the largest capital expenditure in the company’s history. The application for a fifth vessel was denied.
Under the province’s Coastal Ferry Act, any vessel-related capital expenditure exceeding $50 million must be approved by the commissioner.
The commission said its decision was based on whether the expenditure was reasonable, affordable, and prudent. The review considered BC Ferries’ 12-year capital plan, the Coastal Ferry Services contract with the provincial government, and the government’s long-term objectives for ferry service. Input was also received from BC Ferries, independent consultants, and members of the public. The decision is outlined in Order 25-01 and its accompanying reasons.
Separately, in July 2024, Damen Shipyards Galati cut first steel on the first two of four fully-electric Island-class ferries it is building for BC Ferries. The ferries will be the first fully-electric vessels to operate in the company’s fleet.
