Further technical and financial analyses will be required
Canada’s BC Ferries has been approved to build three new vessels but has yet to make a final decision on whether they will be LNG-fuelled. The BC Ferries Commissioner has given the go-ahead for an application to construct three new intermediate class vessels to replace the 48-year old Queen of Burnaby and the 49-year old Queen of Nanaimo. Both of these vessels are scheduled for retirement in 2016.
BC Ferries intends to build two vessels capable of carrying 145 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew to replace the Queen of Burnaby, which sails between Comox and Powell River and to replace the Queen of Nanaimo, which services the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route. A third vessel capable of carrying 125 vehicles and 600 passengers and crew will also be built to augment peak and shoulder season service on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route, plus provide refit relief for the other two new ships.
BC Ferries says that it intends to pursue a design-build contract with a shipyard that will be selected through a formal procurement process. The Company will be issuing a Request for Pre- Qualification later this month. Canadian and international shipyards are invited to participate in this process with a contract expected to be awarded January 2014. The two 145 vehicle ferries are expected to be in service in 2016 and the 125-vehicle ferry in 2017.
Learn more at BC Ferries statement at http://www.bcferries.com/bcferries/faces/attachments?id=815054