New Major Vessels: BC Ferries taps Chinese shipyard to build four hybrid ships
BC Ferries, Canada’s ferry operator, has embarked on a significant fleet renewal project with the New Major Vessels (NMVs) initiative. Recently, the company awarded a contract to China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards (CMI Weihai) to construct four new ships featuring diesel-battery hybrid propulsion systems.
Largest Capital Project in BC Ferries’ History:
BC Ferries’ NMVs project aims to introduce new vessels to service high-traffic routes and replace aging infrastructure. The approval from BC Ferry Commission in March 2025 marked a milestone in this ambitious project.
Glance at 10th session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 10)
Environmental and Economic Impact:
The newbuilds are designed to incorporate innovative diesel-battery hybrid propulsion systems, promising significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, the project is expected to generate substantial local investment, job opportunities, and economic growth over the vessels’ service lifetime.
Overall, BC Ferries’ partnership with CMI Weihai underscores a commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and customer value in the face of increasing demand and the imperative to modernize their fleet.
