The Canadian ferry company BC Ferries has presented the design for a new type of vessel.
As part of the “New Major Vessels” program, BC Ferries intends to build up to seven new vessels, which are to go into operation in 2029. The tender for the construction of the vessels is to start soon. It will be open to qualified local, national and international companies, the company announced[ds_preview].
The new large vessels will be able to carry up to 360 vehicles and 2,100 passengers, compared to a capacity of 250 to 310 vehicles and 1,200 to 1,500 passengers on the existing vessels, which should help to meet growing customer demand.
The vessels will be standardised with other vessels in the fleet so that we can move them more flexibly between different routes in the event of maintenance or refit work without disrupting customer service.
BC Ferries partners with LMG Marin
The basic design for these vessels is being developed in cooperation with LMG Marin AS. The design includes engines that can run on bio and renewable fuels. It also includes a battery-hybrid propulsion system that will allow conversion to fully battery-electric operation once shore-based recharging infrastructure is available.
BC Ferries issued a Request for Supplier Qualifications (RFSQ) for its new large vessel program on 26 February. The RFSQ is available through international shipbroker Clarksons and on bcbid.gov.bc.ca. It will close on 22 March 2024. Qualified shipyards will then have the opportunity to participate in the bidding process, which is currently expected in the summer of 2024.
