BC Ferries taps Chinese yard for replacement hybrid vessels

Canada's BC Ferries has selected China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards (CMI Weihai) to build four "new major vessels" (NMVs) following a rigorous global procurement process that included a public request for proposals, comprehensive bid evaluations, international site visits, and independent third-party reference checks.

Nicolas Jimenez, CEO of BC Ferries, said CMI Weihai was "the clear choice" based on factors such as, "technical capabilities, high-quality and safety standards, ferry-building experience, proven ability to deliver safe, reliable vessels on dependable timelines, and overall cost and value," delivered for BC Ferries' customers.

The NMVs will replace four of BC Ferries' ageing ships nearing the end of their service lives, as these have become increasingly prone to mechanical issues and service disruptions.

The company expects all four NMVs to be in service between 2029 and 2031.

The vessels will be built with diesel-battery hybrid propulsion systems and designed with the capability to operate on full electric power in future. They will also boast upgraded amenities and greater capacities compared to the vessels they are slated to replace.