BC Ferries commissioner approves four hybrid-electric vessels

The independent British Columbia Ferries commissioner has approved a capital expenditure for the purchase of four diesel-battery hybrid, all electric-ready ships for BC Ferries. The decision comes in response to BC Ferries’ application for five such ships, as part of the New Major Vessels (NMV) project – the largest proposed capital expenditure in BC Ferries’ history.

Legacy equipment

The new vessels will replace the Queens of Alberni, New Westminster, Coquitlam and Cowichan. Known as the “legacy vessels”, they are the oldest major ships in BC Ferries’ fleet. The new ferries are expected to serve BC Ferries’ major routes, with the first vessel estimated to enter service in the spring of 2029.

“I’m very pleased to be able to approve the replacement of the fleet’s four oldest major vessels,” said commissioner Eva Hage. “It will mean a vast improvement in service, reliability and capacity on BC Ferries’ busiest routes.”

“Replacing the legacy vessels is essential in order to maintain safe, reliable service on the main routes,” said Hage. “These four ferries are reaching the end of their lives, and additional life extensions are not an option. Investing further in them would simply delay the inevitable expenditure; at the same time, it would increase the risk of mechanical breakdowns and service disruptions.”

BC Ferries’ proposal for an additional fifth vessel was not approved by the commissioner.

“Replacing the four legacy ferries will mean a much-needed increase in capacity and reliability,” explained Hage. “A fifth vessel, however, is neither essential nor affordable at this time, and approving it would be fiscally irresponsible. It would put even more upward pressure on fares, place an even greater burden on taxpayers, and may lead to unsustainable debt levels at BC Ferries.”

The decision-making process

The BC Ferry Commission is an independent body, fully distinct from both the provincial government (which sets ferry service levels) and BC Ferries (which provides ferry service under the Coastal Ferry Services Contract). As stipulated under BC’s Coastal Ferry Act, BC Ferries must obtain the commission’s approval for all major capital expenditures; for vessels, this applies to any expenditure over C$50m (US35m).

In arriving at a decision, the commissioner considers whether an expenditure is reasonable, affordable and prudent. It must also be consistent with BC Ferries’ 12-year capital plan, with the Coastal Ferry Services Contract between the provincial government and BC Ferries, and with the government’s long-term vision for coastal ferry services.

In her review of the NMV application, the commissioner considered all information provided by BC Ferries, input from expert consultants and comments received from the public.

“As commissioner, I work in the public interest to support a ferry system that is safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally sustainable – always balancing the interests of ferry users and taxpayers with the financial viability of the ferry operator,” said Hage.

In related news, Stena Line recently developed the Stena Futuro, a 240m hybrid-electric ro-ro concept vessel intended for transporting semi-trailers and cars. Click here to read the full story.