BC Ferries Issues Request for Proposals for Four Zero-Emission Island-Class Hybrid Vessels

VICTORIA, BC — British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries) formally issued an international Request for Proposals (RFP) on Saturday for the design and construction of four new battery-electric Island-Class passenger and vehicle ferries.

Vessel Specifications and Electrification Architecture

The new vessels will carry up to 47 vehicles and 390 passengers each, featuring high-capacity lithium-ion battery banks capable of 100% all-electric zero-emission propulsion when operating on short inter-island routes between Nanaimo, Gabriola Island, Campbell River, and Quadra Island.

The procurement includes rapid shore-side charging automated robotic connections at terminal berths, funded through a joint federal-provincial clean transportation partnership under the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB).

Route Reliability and Capacity Expansion

Gulf Islands residents and commercial delivery operators have experienced severe sailing waits during peak summer tourist periods. The introduction of two-ship continuous service using modern Island-Class vessels will expand route capacity by 30% while eliminating 14,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

The BC Ferry Authority confirmed that shortlisted shipyard bidding will prioritize Canadian content and domestic marine maintenance partnerships.

Procurement Timelines

RFP submissions from qualified international and domestic shipyards close in December 2026, with the contract award scheduled for spring 2027 and initial vessel delivery in 2029.