B.C. Ferries begins bidding process for 7 new hybrid vessels

B.C. Ferries has issued a request for expressions of interest (RFEOI) to build up to seven new hybrid vessels to replace the aging members of its fleet. 

Spokesperson Deborah Marshall told CBC News the new vessels are expected to replace the C-Class vessels like the Queen of New Westminster and the Queen of Coquitlam that service major routes between Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island. 

"This would be our largest procurement of major vessels, which is very exciting for us," Marshall said. 

The last time B.C. Ferries purchased new vessels was starting in 2016, when four Salish-class ferries were added to the fleet. The intermediate-class ships can accommodate around 140 vehicles and 600 passengers, and are capable of operating with liquefied natural gas or diesel.

Those vessels were built in Poland. Similarly, Marshall said, the bid for these new ferries is open to shipyards in Canada and abroad. 

Seaspan, which operates shipyards in Victoria and Vancouver, said it's "interested in playing a significant role in B.C. Ferries' future."

The company said it is one of the largest providers of maintenance and repair to B.C. Ferries, and it is currently building two large ships for the Royal Canadian Navy. 

Full electric capacity

Marshall said she couldn't disclose the budget allocation for the new vessels in order not to compromise the bidding process. The cost for three of the Salish vessels was $252 million. Marshall said the cost of the new ferries will be covered under the corporation's 12-year capital plan. 

The ships are expected to be at sea between 2029 and 2032. Marshall says the hybrid electric vessels should have the capacity to go fully electric in the future. 

According to the RFEOI, the new ferries will accommodate 2,100 passengers and crew and have three passenger decks.

Marshall said the goal to procure one extra vessel to replace the six C-class ships is to minimize the impact on customers during unplanned service outages and when vessels are in refit.

"We'd like to be able to have some resiliency in our system," she said.

Technical difficulties

Over the last few months B.C. Ferries has been plagued by technical difficulties with its vessels, last-minute cancellations, staffing shortages and confusion about the availability of reservations online.

The Coastal Celebration, which carries up to 310 cars and 1,604 passengers and crew between Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria, was dry-docked for refits this summer.

Then the Coastal Renaissance vessel was put out of service beginning in August when its rotor had to undergo repairs. The Spirit of Vancouver Island, which travels the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route, was put in dry dock for work on its hull in October. 

In a written statement, British Columbia's transportation ministry said "B.C. Ferries must invest in new vessels, in new technology and in people necessary to ensure safe, reliable ferry service for the people of coastal B.C."

"We know that this past summer has been frustrating for ferry users, and a challenge for B.C. Ferries given staffing and mechanical issues."

The procurement will need to be approved by the B.C. Ferries board of directors, Marshall said, and then an application will need to be submitted to the B.C. Ferries Commissioner. 

According to the RFEOI, the contract is expected to be awarded by December 2024.