Conceptual rendering of BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels program are the first look at what up to seven new ferries could look like when they enter operation starting in 2029. Photo credit: BC Ferries
VICTORIA – BC Ferries passengers to and from the Island are now one step closer to being served by the new Island Class vessels, as construction has officially started on the first two of the four new battery-electric hybrid Island Class vessels at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania.
“These vessels represent a significant advancement in our fleet renewal efforts, aligning with our strategic vision for operational excellence and sustainability,” Ed Hooper, Executive Director of Shipbuilding at BC Ferries. “The start of construction brings us one step closer to realizing the benefits these vessels will bring to our customers and the communities that rely on us to get them where they need to go.”
Key features and benefits of the new Island Class vessels include:
- Increased Capacity: Each vessel will accommodate nearly 47 vehicles and 400 passengers, enhancing service capacity and customer comfort.
- Environmental Sustainability: Designed to operate on renewable BC Hydro electricity, these vessels will significantly reduce our environmental impact, supporting the Province’s CleanBC goals and reducing emissions by 10,000 tons of CO2 equivalent.
- Improved Crew Deployment: The new design will streamline crew operations, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness with similar technology and protocols across the fleet.
- Quieter Ships: The updated propulsion system will reduce underwater radiated noise, benefiting marine life and improving the overall passenger experience.
With the first steel plates cut, this marked the official start of the production the ships.
“These new vessels are a key component of our commitment to increasing our system capacity, enhancing our service capabilities and reducing our environmental impact,” added Hooper. “Their innovative design will also improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of our operations.”
The new Island Class vessels will serve Routes 19 (Nanaimo Harbour to Gabriola Island) and 23 (Campbell River to Quadra Island), with plans for fleet redeployment to address capacity constraints on Routes 6 (Crofton to Vesuvius), 24 (Quadra to Cortes), and 22 (Denman to Hornby). This project will result in significant capacity increases and improved travel certainty, particularly during refit periods.
This milestone follows several key project developments, including the finalization of design specifications in March 2023, the selection of Damen Shipyards Group as the shipbuilder in June 2023, and the approval of the major capital expenditure required to construct the new vessels in September 2023.
Set to begin arriving in BC in 2026, these new vessels will enhance BC Ferries service capabilities and support the coastal communities.
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