June 2025 | Victoria, British Columbia — In a significant move to modernize its aging fleet and meet growing passenger demand, BC Ferries has announced the procurement of four new large ferries from China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard, one of Asia’s leading shipbuilders.
🌊 A Strategic Investment in Capacity and Sustainability
The new vessels are part of BC Ferries’ long-term strategy to enhance service reliability, reduce emissions, and accommodate increasing traffic across its busiest routes. Each ferry will be capable of carrying approximately 2,100 passengers and crew, along with over 300 vehicles, making them among the largest in the fleet.
“These new ferries are a vital investment in the future of coastal transportation in British Columbia,” said Nicolas Jimenez, CEO of BC Ferries. “They will help us meet the needs of a growing population while advancing our environmental goals.”
⚓ Why China?
The decision to contract with China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard was based on a competitive international bidding process. The Chinese shipyard, renowned for its advanced production capabilities and expertise in building large passenger vessels, offered a combination of cost efficiency, timely delivery, and technological innovation.
While the move has sparked some debate over domestic shipbuilding opportunities, BC Ferries emphasized that the decision was driven by the need to balance quality, cost, and delivery timelines.
🌱 Green Technology on Board
The new ferries will be equipped with hybrid-electric propulsion systems, allowing them to operate on battery power for portions of their routes. This aligns with BC Ferries’ broader sustainability plan, which includes transitioning to zero-emission vessels by 2040.
Additional features include:
- Shore charging capability
- Energy-efficient hull designs
- Advanced navigation and safety systems
🛳️ Delivery Timeline and Deployment
Construction is expected to begin in late 2025, with the first vessel scheduled for delivery in early 2028. The ferries will primarily serve the Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay and Horseshoe Bay–Departure Bay routes, which are among the busiest in the province.
📣 Public and Industry Reactions
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. While many applaud the investment in modern, green vessels, some stakeholders in Canada’s shipbuilding industry have expressed disappointment over the lack of domestic involvement.
BC Ferries has responded by noting that local shipyards will still play a key role in maintenance, retrofitting, and future vessel upgrades.
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