Ferries for the Next Generation

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Consultation has concluded

BC ferries passing in Active Pass.

Project Update (January 2021): Our Ferries for the Next Generation project remains part of our long-term planning. However, due to the impacts of COVID-19 on our business, we anticipate the project will be delayed five years. We invite you to view this page to learn about the engagement efforts for this project, and what's important to you in the next generation of ferries.


We're thinking about you, the environment and the future of travel as we design ferries that will serve Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island for future generations. We'd like to show you what we've been up to and invite you into conversations that will help shape your future onboard experience.

We will be building new ferries to replace four of our existing vessels (Queen of Alberni, Queen of New Westminster, Queen of Coquitlam, and Queen of Cowichan). This is one of the biggest projects we have ever undertaken and there is a lot to consider as we work to keep fares affordable, reduce our environmental impact, plan for changing demands, and enhance customer experience.

Our key considerations include:

What we've heard

We heard from over 11,000 people in our first phase of engagement that asked people to share ideas on how they would like to experience their ferries of the future. We'd like to thank everyone who took the time to share their thoughts with us.

Engagement results can be found in the Document Library section on the right-hand side of this page.

What's next?

Our Ferries for the Next Generation Project remains part of our long-term planning. However, there is no upcoming engagement planned at this time. Updated information and future engagement opportunities will be posted on this page.

Project Update (January 2021): Our Ferries for the Next Generation project remains part of our long-term planning. However, due to the impacts of COVID-19 on our business, we anticipate the project will be delayed five years. We invite you to view this page to learn about the engagement efforts for this project, and what's important to you in the next generation of ferries.


We're thinking about you, the environment and the future of travel as we design ferries that will serve Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island for future generations. We'd like to show you what we've been up to and invite you into conversations that will help shape your future onboard experience.

We will be building new ferries to replace four of our existing vessels (Queen of Alberni, Queen of New Westminster, Queen of Coquitlam, and Queen of Cowichan). This is one of the biggest projects we have ever undertaken and there is a lot to consider as we work to keep fares affordable, reduce our environmental impact, plan for changing demands, and enhance customer experience.

Our key considerations include:

What we've heard

We heard from over 11,000 people in our first phase of engagement that asked people to share ideas on how they would like to experience their ferries of the future. We'd like to thank everyone who took the time to share their thoughts with us.

Engagement results can be found in the Document Library section on the right-hand side of this page.

What's next?

Our Ferries for the Next Generation Project remains part of our long-term planning. However, there is no upcoming engagement planned at this time. Updated information and future engagement opportunities will be posted on this page.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Do you have a question about the project? Send us a message using this tool, when we respond both the question and answer will appear here so that everyone can see. 

If you prefer to have us respond to you privately, please let us know in the body of your message. 

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    Will these replacement vessels have an enclosed car deck and hull designs?

    Julian asked about 1 year ago

    Hi Julian,

    Apologies for the delayed reply. We do not have a design for our new major vessels yet. Detailed design will come later in the process. As you may be aware, this project is part of our long-term planning and we are currently re-examining our capital plans in light of the impact of COVID-19 on our business. We'll be sure to let folks know when the project resumes. You can stay tuned to this page where we'll post information and opportunities for engagement as they become available in the future. 

    I hope this helps!

    Carrie  

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    We should be moving toward electric propulsion ASAP. LNG is a fossil fuel and the extraction of this stuff is leaving a huge swath of spoiled land. We have plentiful hydro electric power that we should be using. Many other countries are way ahead of us on this.

    Tim Larsen asked about 1 year ago

    Hi Tim,

    My sincere apologies for the delayed reply. Thank you for your comment. Electrification of our ferries is something we are looking at seriously. You may already be aware of our Island Class vessels, which are our newest class of battery electric hybrid vessels: https://www.bcferries.com/in-the-community/projects/introducing-island-class-ferries 

    Reducing our fossil fuels and advancing environmentally sustainable practices continues to be a focus for us moving into the future. The new major vessels will be an important part of how we advance these practices. Please stay tuned to this page for more information about how these vessels are being designed and built. We will continue to post updated information and opportunities for engagement in the future. 

    Warm Regards,

    Carrie

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    Why isn't there an option to buy minor groceries from BC Ferries. Eggs, Milk, Rotisserie chicken. I feel like there is a big market that is being missed for commuters.

    John Stein asked about 1 year ago

    Hi John,

    My sincere apologies for the delayed reply. Thank you for your comment. I'll make sure your idea gets folded into the feedback we've collected for this project. 

    Warm Regards,

    Carrie

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    Hello BC Ferries.. Will be sad to see the old girls go.. but they've served well and long and deserve a rest. :-) I am hoping that for replacement vessels you will be contracting with a Canadian company to build our new fleet.. Keep the money in Canada.. keep our economy strong.. cheers.. :-)

    Steveston Cat asked 12 months ago

    Hi Cat,

    Thank you for your comment! We value local business, and BC and Canadian shipyards are always included in the procurement process and encouraged to bid. We follow a global best practice procurement process, which includes issuing a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) to international shipyards, including all Canadian shipyards. Additionally, maintenance and service over the lifetime of these vessels will be done largely by local suppliers and shipyards.

    Here is the procurement process we follow: 

    I hope this helps in understanding our procurement process a bit more and provides some comfort that we are doing our best to ensure BC and Canadian companies are always included in our process.

    Carrie

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    When will this project take place and how long will it take to build 4 new ships? Also, will the Canadian Shipyards be building the vessels?

    Kimchee asked 10 months ago

    Hi Kimchee,

    Thank you for your question. We are unsure of the timelines for this project at the moment. We are currently revisiting our capital plans in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business. We have not awarded the contract for the new vessels to any shipyard at this time. However, like all our vessel procurements, we follow global best practice, which involves issuing a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) from international shipyards, including all Canadian shipyards. Additionally, maintenance and service over the lifetime of the vessels will be done largely by local suppliers and shipyards.

    Here is the standard procurement process we follow: 

    I hope this helps to answer your questions! We'll continue to communicate about this project as timelines become more firm. 

    Carrie

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    The vessel just announced going to sea trials in Poland, which route is it for and what's it replace? Thks

    Kim asked 10 months ago

    Hi Kim,

    Thanks for your question. The vessel that is undergoing sea trials in Poland right now is part of our Salish class of vessels. It will be entered into service on our Southern Gulf Islands route as a replacement for the Mayne Queen. 

    Carrie