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New modern vessels for our busiest routes


The New Major Vessels (NMVs) represent the largest capital procurement in BC Ferries’ history and are designed to help meet growing demand on some of our busiest routes.

The NMVs will replace aging ships, helping improve reliability, reduce service disruptions related to mechanical issues and maintenance, and strengthen overall system resilience. Several vessels in the fleet are approaching the end of their service life, making fleet renewal critical to supporting future growth and customer demand.


Introducing the Summit Class


We're proud to mark an important milestone as we introduce the Summit Class, a new generation of vessels designed to serve people across our coast for decades to come.

The Summit Class represents a commitment to reaching ever-higher standards of service, safety, and sustainability. Each vessel name draws from the iconic trees, towering peaks, sheltered inlets and windswept shores within British Columbia. The names of these vessels reflect the natural beauty of our province and the communities we serve along BC's coast.

These vessels are designed to serve our busiest routes, with each ship able to carry up to 360 standard vehicles and up to 2,100 passengers and crew. This is approximately 80 more vehicles and over 1,000 more passengers than the aging vessels the Summit Class will replace. 

Together, the Summit Class reflects a shared journey of connecting people, supporting coastal life and carrying forward a legacy of service on the water.

Arbutus tree

Summit Arbutus

A symbol of resilience, thriving along rugged coastal shorelines.

Cedar tree

Summit Cedar

Represents strength, versatility, and cultural importance along the coast.

Maple tree

Summit Maple

Reflects shelter, growth, and a sense of welcome.

Spruce tree

Summit Spruce

Embodies resourcefulness, healing, and the richness of forest ecosystems.

 


Summit Class FAQs

Why "Summit"?

“Summit” was chosen to reflect the defining landscapes of British Columbia, including its mountains, forests, and coastal waters. It represents both aspiration and responsibility: striving for new heights while respecting the environment that sustains us.

Why name the vessels after trees? 
Trees are powerful symbols of life on the coast—resilient, enduring, and deeply connected to the land. These names celebrate the natural environment and the role it plays in shaping our communities. 
How were the names chosen?
The naming process brought together input from employees and a representative group of external participants. It was guided by both creativity and careful consideration, including the ability to secure names for long-term use. 
What principles guided the naming?
The names were selected based on:
  • A theme that can extend to future vessels
  • Strong connections to coastal British Columbia
  • Recognition of the vessels’ role in linking communities
  • Respect for the natural environment

Gallery


Conceptual renders of our Summit Class vessels are the first look at what up to seven new ferries could look like when they enter operation starting in 2029.
 

Key features of the Summit Class vessels

Sustainability & environmental benefits
  • The Summit Class vessels are built with future sustainability in mind, designed to support fully electric operation when the necessary infrastructure becomes available.
  • We proudly support CleanBC's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. As infrastructure develops, these vessels are ready for conversion to fully electric operation, reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship.
  • Propellers are specifically engineered to minimize underwater noise, helping to minimize impacts on at-risk whales.
  • The new vessels will aim to reduce fuel consumption and overall emissions, supporting a cleaner future for British Columbia.
Enhanced passenger amenities
  • The new vessels are designed for faster loading and unloading, which will improve schedule efficiency and reduce wait times during peak periods. 
  • Passengers will enjoy a more reliable, efficient service with greater capacity, reduced wait times, and enhanced comfort. Features such as quicker boarding processes and modern amenities will ensure a positive travel experience, especially during high-demand periods.
  • New interior pet lounges on the passenger deck will provide a welcoming space for passengers travelling with pets.
  • Enhanced accessibility features, including wider walkways and conveniently located accessible washrooms, support a more inclusive travel experience for all passengers.
  • Additional amenities, such as kids’ play areas and new food options are also in the works, with more details to be shared as they become available.
Fleet resiliency and reliability
  • The introduction of a consistent class of vessels not only enhances the passenger experience but also streamlines operations for our crew.
  • Standardized vessel design increases efficiencies in crew training and allows for easier vessel redeployment during maintenance, minimizing disruptions. This approach bolsters fleet resiliency and reliability while reducing long-term operational costs.

Driving economic growth at home in BC for decades to come


Over their expected 45-year service lives, BC Ferries’ four new Summit Class vessels are projected to generate nearly $4.5 billion in total economic output, support approximately 53,000 job-years, and deliver $2.9 billion in wages across British Columbia. This includes 16,500 job-years tied directly to vessel operations and maintenance, as well as broader benefits from terminal upgrades, supply chain activity, and increased tourism. Of that total impact, more than $1 billion is expected to be invested locally in vessel maintenance and refits, including approximately $240 million in the first 10 years of service. These long-term benefits reinforce BC Ferries’ role in supporting the province’s marine economy and keeping coastal communities connected.

Source: Economic Impact Study by independent third-party firm InterVISTAS

Four NMVs approved 


In March 2025, our independent regulator, the BC Ferry Commission, approved the procurement of four New Major Vessels (NMVs), marking a significant milestone in our ongoing fleet renewal efforts. However, the Commission considered the proposal to build a fifth vessel to be unaffordable at that time, limiting our ability to add essential capacity on our busiest routes to meet the needs of BC’s growing population, the tourism industry, supply chains, and our economy. We remain committed to advocating for the long-term resilience of the fleet and will continue working with the Province to ensure sustainable, reliable ferry service for British Columbians.

Why we advocated for five vessels

Growing demand
BC’s population is projected to increase by 44% by 2046, yet major route capacity has barely grown in 30 years.
Capacity pressures
In 2024, peak-season sailings on our busiest routes between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland ran at 92% capacity, with many fully booked days in advance. Nearly 250,000 customers faced delays last summer, often due to aging vessels.
Economic impact
The BC Trucking Association estimates that a single sailing cancellation costs the sector over $100,000—costs ultimately passed on to consumers.
Rising costs
Securing a fifth vessel now would lock in fixed pricing and reduced future financial risk.
Support from the public and industry leaders
In a December 2024 survey of 2,000 customers conducted by BC Ferries, 95% of respondents agreed with the plan to add an additional vessel to the fleet. Customers made it clear that moving forward with these investments is critical to improving their travel experience.

Shipyard selected


On June 10, 2025, BC Ferries announced that China Merchant Shipbuilding Industry Group Co. Ltd. (CMI) will build four New Major Vessels, a global leader in passenger ferry construction. CMI was selected following a competitive international process that included independent evaluations, site inspections, and third-party reference checks.

The decision was based on the shipyard’s:
  • Proven track record delivering safe, reliable ferries worldwide
  • Experience meeting Canadian regulatory standards
  • Strong safety and quality systems
  • Ability to deliver on time and on budget
CMI has a strong track record of building passenger and vehicle vessels for large international operators including Stena RoRo (Sweden) and Grimaldi Lines (Italy). Through its long-term partnership with Stena RoRo, CMI has built vessels for Canada’s Marine Atlantic ferry company and other major ferry operators such as Corsica Linea and Brittany Ferries (France). CMI’s work on a vessel for Marine Atlantic gives the shipyard direct experience meeting Transport Canada regulatory requirements. We will have a fleet renewal team on-site throughout construction to provide oversight and ensure safety, quality, and performance at every stage.

Videos

Key milestones

  • September 16, 2024: We officially released the Request for Proposals (RFP) to pre-qualified shipyards, inviting bids to build the first five vessels, with contracts expected to be awarded in the spring of 2025, pending approval from the BC Ferries Commissioner
  • December 13, 2024: We submitted an application to the Commissioner to approve procurement of five vessels by 2029, which would allow for an additional 12th vessel on Major Routes—an investment that will bolster capacity, resiliency, and reliability for years to come.
  • February 21, 2025: We submitted a supplemental application to the Commissioner reaffirming that building five New Major Vessels remains the most cost-effective and responsible solution for customers and coastal communities amid rising global economic uncertainty.
  • March 31, 2025: The Commissioner, who has the sole authority to determine whether there is a need for five vessels, approved the procurement of four vessels
  • June 10, 2025: Shipyard selected to construct four New Major Vessels
  • 2029 – 2031: The first of these new vessels are expected to enter service in 2029, with four operational by 2031. 

Latest news

May 27, 2026
BC Ferries introduces Summit Class as part of major fleet renewal

September 2, 2025
Five realities necessary to responsibly build ferries in Canada

August 1, 2025
Opening Statement to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities

June 26, 2025
The CIB supports BC Ferries’ essential service upgrades

June 10, 2025
BC Ferries selects shipyard to construct four New Major Vessels

March 31, 2025
New Major Vessels ruling risks more waiting, less sailing for ferry customers

February 21, 2025
BC Ferries reinforces the need to build five New Major Vessels with supplemental filing

December 13, 2024
New Major Vessels project reaches milestone with BC Ferries Commissioner application

September 16, 2024
New Major Vessels to increase capacity and reliability

September 7, 2024
Significant vessel repairs highlight the need for fleet resiliency

New Major Vessel FAQs

How did BC Ferries determine how many vessels are being procured?

BC Ferries will build four New Major Vessels in the current procurement phase. The first is expected to enter service in 2029, with all four operational by 2031. A fifth vessel, originally proposed to enhance capacity and resiliency, was not approved by the Ferry Commissioner. BC Ferries maintains that the fifth vessel is in the public interest and continues to pursue future opportunities to introduce it through a second procurement phase. 
 
What is the expected timeline for these vessels to be completed and operational?
The first of the New Major Vessels will enter service in 2029, with the first four all joining the fleet by 2031. This timeline ensures that we maintain service reliability while strategically scaling our capacity to meet increasing demand.

Why start this project now, and not years ago?

BC Ferries’ fleet renewal plan has been in development for several years, but building new ships is a complex process that requires careful planning and significant financial investment. During this time, we’ve also focused on keeping our current vessels in service and optimizing schedules to meet demand.

Our goal is to ensure the new vessels not only address current capacity but are also prepared for future growth along the coast. It’s worth noting that a vessel replacement project was initiated in 2017-2018 and progressed to an RFP stage in 2019-2020, however it was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Which of the current vessels are retiring?  
The vessels that are being retired are as follows:
  • Queen of Alberni: Oct 2029
  • Queen of Coquitlam: Sept 2030
  • Queen of New Westminster: Oct 2030
  • Queen of Cowichan: Oct 2031

After their life extensions, we would expect the Queen of Surrey and the Queen of Oak Bay to be retired sometime after 2036. Retiring these vessels is a necessary part of modernizing our fleet. By introducing newer, more reliable ships to our fleet, we are increasing our ability to deliver seamless, efficient service.
Which routes will the new vessels service?
While specific routes are yet to be determined, the new vessels are designed to serve our busiest corridors between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. Their increased capacity and efficiency will significantly reduce congestion, helping us better meet customer demand and ensuring more reliable service for coastal communities.
 
How will these new vessels affect fare prices for customers?
Our priority is to enhance service while keeping fares affordable for our customers. The phased approach allows us to manage costs effectively and reduce fare pressures, while ensuring that service reliability and capacity continue to improve. We work closely with the BC Ferry Commissioner to ensure our investments are aligned with maintaining fare affordability while delivering the reliable service that coastal communities rely on. Our current fare structure has been approved to 2028, so any changes would not take effect until after that time, pending approval from the Commissioner.
Why did BC Ferries choose an international shipyard instead of building the vessels in British Columbia or elsewhere in Canada?
BC Ferries conducted a rigorous global procurement process that included a public Request for Proposals, comprehensive bid evaluations, international site visits, and third-party reference checks. The process was open to qualified shipyards around the world, including those in Canada.

Following this evaluation, CMI Weihai was selected based on the overall strength of its bid, including its ferry-building experience, proven ability to deliver on dependable timelines, technical capabilities, safety and quality standards, and the value it offers to customers.
Was a Canadian or BC-based shipyard able to bid on this project?
Yes. The procurement process was open to all qualified shipyards, including those in Canada and British Columbia. CMI Weihai was selected following a competitive evaluation of all submissions received.
How will these vessels support jobs and investment in British Columbia?
While the vessels will be constructed overseas, refits, scheduled maintenance, crew training, and operations will take place in British Columbia. In the first 10 years of service, BC Ferries expects to invest over $230 million locally to support these vessels, and more than $1 billion over their expected 45-year lifespans. This work will support skilled trades, create local jobs, and generate long-term economic benefits for British Columbia’s marine sector.
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