New Hybrid Island Class Vessels Will Create More Capacity

BC Ferries is moving ahead with the purchase of four new hybrid electric Island Class vessels, aimed at increasing capacity for passengers across the ferry system.

By 2027, the four new vessels will enter service on the routes connecting Nanaimo Harbour and Gabriola Island (two vessels) and Campbell River and Quadra Island (two vessels), with corresponding electrical upgrades for shore-based rapid charging made to the four terminals on those routes.

“BC Ferries proposed these four new hybrid Island Class vessels because added capacity is critical to helping us get people where they need to go efficiently and reliably,” said Nicolas Jimenez, President and CEO of BC Ferries.

“As the Commissioner has noted in her decision, this project will deliver improved customer service, help lower our costs related to crewing and training, and contribute to safe and reliable service for passengers up and down the coast.”

The Island Class vessels that currently serve the routes will be able to be redeployed to benefit a number of communities with increased capacity to help address current and future demands.

Specifically, the Crofton to Vesuvius route will see capacity increased by 20 per cent along with the increased frequency provided by two-vessel service.

The Quadra to Cortes route capacity will increase by about 70 per cent through the deployment of a larger vessel, and the existing system relief vessel will be redeployed to the Denman to Hornby route year-round, doubling its capacity and particularly improving travel certainty throughout the year.

BC Ferries says the new vessels will take them a step closer toward standardization of the fleet which can help reduce the number of vessel classes the company operates.

This in turn helps with maintenance, refit, training, and other operational activities.

This project is estimated to reduce emissions by 10,000 tons of CO2 equivalent, supporting the Province’s CleanBC goals and bringing BC Ferries closer to its 2030 targets.

To see the full release, visit BC Ferries.