BC Ferries currently deploys 11 vessels on its major routes that connect Vancouver Island with the Lower Mainland. Six of these are decades old and nearing the end of their effective service life. While the volume of traffic has significantly increased over the past three decades, there have not been any additions to the major routes carrying capacity since the Spirit Class vessels were introduced in 1993-94. Consequently, 60% of the vehicles using the ferry on a major route last summer had to wait for at least one sailing. In a bold move to bring this portion of its fleet into the 21st century, on Friday, December 13, BC Ferries applied to the BC Ferries Commissioner for permission to add 5 New Major Vessels (NMV).
Continue reading New Major Vessels For A 21st Century Ferry ServiceTag Archives: hybrid e-Ferries
Planned price increases; dismantling FAC’s – Changes Coming To BC Ferries
As some of you may have already heard, BC Ferries is going through changes. They range from a total revamp of the way they have been engaging with the public, to expenses that probably won’t effect fares until 2028.
Let’s start with finances. BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez recently informed the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce the cost to build ferries has risen 40% since 2020. Speaking as a customer, my immediate thought was this sounds like there is a fare hike coming.
Jeff Groot, BC Ferries Executive Director in charge of communications, responded “I think that’s a fair reaction. There’s a couple of things that we’re experiencing right now.”
Continue reading Planned price increases; dismantling FAC’s – Changes Coming To BC FerriesBC Ferries CEO speaks to Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce about navigating through growing pains
By Sidney Coles, Capital Daily, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A sense of optimism and ambition marked BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez’s update to members of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and other regional stakeholders on Tuesday morning. It also served as a report card and warning that expensive changes and subsequent fare increases are definitely on the horizon.
By 2028, a 30% fare increase will be necessary just to stay at its current levels of service, he said. The increase represents a necessary shift in BC Ferries’ priorities around fleet and infrastructure upgrades.
Continue reading BC Ferries CEO speaks to Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce about navigating through growing painsTerminal Upgrade Plan: BC Ferries Consults Cortes Residents
Originally published April 28, 2024
BC Ferries intends to upgrade their Heriot Bay and Whaletown terminals to accommodate new, higher-capacity “Island Class” ferries with the potential for all-electric operation. The construction project, scheduled for 2026, will necessitate closure of these docks and ramps — a serious logistical problem for BCF and for island residents.
On April 27th, 2024, BC Ferries hosted a two-hour open house at Mansons Hall from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, asking for community feedback and suggestions on their early draft plan for this disruptive project. The event was attended by more than 50 Cortes residents over the two-hour period; for those who were unable to attend, the online comment period remains open until May 6th.
Continue reading Terminal Upgrade Plan: BC Ferries Consults Cortes ResidentsCortes to receive larger vessel once new ferry production is complete
Editor’s note: After the new Island Class hybrid electric ferries are deployed, one of vessels currently in service will take over the Cortes to Quadra route.
By Louis Belcourt, CKTZ News, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca
Construction has officially begun on the first two of the four new battery-electric hybrid Island Class vessels at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania.
“Today, the first steel plates were cut, marking the official start of production for our newest Hybrid Island Class ships,” said Ed Hooper, Executive Director of Shipbuilding at BC Ferries. “Their innovative design will also improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of our operations.”
Continue reading Cortes to receive larger vessel once new ferry production is complete