In 2016 and 2017 BC Ferries will have three new ships sailing in the B.C. waters after the BC Ferries Commissioner approved their application.
The three new intermediate class vessels will replace the 48-year-old Queen of Burnaby, and the 49-year-old Queen of Nanaimo. Both of those will be retired in 2016.
Two of the new vessels will carry 145 vehicles, and up to 600 passengers, and will replace the Queen of Burnaby sailing between Comox and Powell River and the Queen of Nanaimo sailing between Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route.
The third vessel will carry 125 vehicles and 600 passengers and will be built to add another sailing to peak and shoulder season service on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route.
“As we begin the next phase of our newbuild program, a key objective is to achieve capital and operating cost savings and efficiencies through an overall class and standardization strategy and a series build program,” said Mike Corrigan, BC Ferries’ President and CEO.
“Improved operational efficiencies are also expected including lower crew training costs with standardized bridge, engine room and accommodation layouts, and lower maintenance costs with standardization of parts and equipment.”
Both Canadian and international shipyards are invited to bid for the contract to build the ships, which is expected to awarded in January 2014.
The two-145 vehicle ferries are expected to be in service in 2016 and the 125-vehicle ferry is expected to enter service in 2017.
BC Ferries says among the key design elements yet to be finalized are those respecting liquefied natural gas (LNG). While vessels fuelled with LNG are expected to have a higher initial capital costs than those fuelled with diesel, they are expected to have lower overall life cycle costs, which would have a positive impact on fares.
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