Swartz Bay Terminal Projects

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The Swartz Bay Terminal forms an important link between Vancouver Island, the Mainland and the Southern Gulf Island communities for residents and visitors alike. As projects are initiated to update the terminal over time, this page will be used to host relevant project information, engagement opportunities and updates. Sign up for proactive updates by clicking the 'Follow Project' icon in right-hand sidebar.

The Swartz Bay Terminal forms an important link between Vancouver Island, the Mainland and the Southern Gulf Island communities for residents and visitors alike. As projects are initiated to update the terminal over time, this page will be used to host relevant project information, engagement opportunities and updates. Sign up for proactive updates by clicking the 'Follow Project' icon in right-hand sidebar.

  • Project Introduction: Berth 5 Upgrades

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    BC Ferries is preparing to upgrade Berth 5 at the Swartz Bay Terminal. Our Salish Class ferries are now operating regularly on our Southern Gulf Island routes and are currently unable to use Berth 5 because a rock outcropping at its entrance prevents the Salish Class vessels, which sit deeper in the water than their predecessor the Mayne Queen, from passing through. The upgrade will remove this underwater obstruction from the entrance of the berth, making it safe for the Salish vessels to enter and exit. This has the benefit of reducing berth congestion for all our vessels in Swartz Bay, improving on-time performance and customer experience for everyone.

    Work will be completed in two phases and will include blasting and dredging of a rock outcropping, the construction of new mooring structures (called dolphins), and new tie-up infrastructure to accommodate our smaller Island Class vessels when required. We do not expect any impact to sailing schedules and our project and operational teams will work hard to minimize any operational impacts that may occur.

    • Phase one: July - November 2024
    • Phase two: December 2024 - March 2025

    To ensure the protection of marine life throughout the project, we have been working closely with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to evaluate the potential impact to the marine environment. In May 2023, after significant First Nations consultation, we received approval from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to proceed with the work. As part of this approval, environmental procedures and industry best practices will be utilized.

    We are mindful the construction work may generate additional noise that may impact nearby residents, and will ensure that residents are kept updated and that they are advised in advance of the work being done.

    As we progress we will be providing project updates on this page. To stay up to date, you can subscribe to receive proactive updates via email by clicking 'Follow Project' on the right hand side of this page.

    BC Ferries is preparing to upgrade Berth 5 at the Swartz Bay Terminal. Our Salish Class ferries are now operating regularly on our Southern Gulf Island routes and are currently unable to use Berth 5 because a rock outcropping at its entrance prevents the Salish Class vessels, which sit deeper in the water than their predecessor the Mayne Queen, from passing through. The upgrade will remove this underwater obstruction from the entrance of the berth, making it safe for the Salish vessels to enter and exit. This has the benefit of reducing berth congestion for all our vessels in Swartz Bay, improving on-time performance and customer experience for everyone.

    Work will be completed in two phases and will include blasting and dredging of a rock outcropping, the construction of new mooring structures (called dolphins), and new tie-up infrastructure to accommodate our smaller Island Class vessels when required. We do not expect any impact to sailing schedules and our project and operational teams will work hard to minimize any operational impacts that may occur.

    • Phase one: July - November 2024
    • Phase two: December 2024 - March 2025

    To ensure the protection of marine life throughout the project, we have been working closely with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to evaluate the potential impact to the marine environment. In May 2023, after significant First Nations consultation, we received approval from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to proceed with the work. As part of this approval, environmental procedures and industry best practices will be utilized.

    We are mindful the construction work may generate additional noise that may impact nearby residents, and will ensure that residents are kept updated and that they are advised in advance of the work being done.

    As we progress we will be providing project updates on this page. To stay up to date, you can subscribe to receive proactive updates via email by clicking 'Follow Project' on the right hand side of this page.

Page last updated: 02 Oct 2025, 11:35 AM