BC Ferries Signs Contract With China Merchant Industry (CMI) To Add "New Fleet to Operations"

BC Ferries, Horseshoe Bay Terminal (Courtesy: Horseshoe Bay Terminal Essential Infrastructure Improvements)

The Crown Corporation has partnered with China Merchant Industry Weihai Shipyards (CMI Shipyards) to bring Four new major vessels (NMV) to Island Fleet Operations by 2026.

BC Ferries (Victoria, British Columbia) (June 10, 2025): BC Ferries released it's latest vessel upgrade news, suggesting to bring 4 new ships to its fleet to replace the four aging ships closing to End of Service. The corporation released it's decision to move with Hong Kong based CMI Weihai (CMG Network subsidiary). 

BC Ferries Salish Ocra Vessel (Source: BC Ferries) 

BC Ferries calls' the selection process rigorous which included "Public Request for Proposals, comprehensive bid evaluations, international site visits, and independent third-party reference checks".

Nicolas Jimenez (Chief Executive Officer of BC Ferries, CEO) added, "CMI Weihai is a global leader in passenger ferry construction, and shipbuilding more broadly, it was the clear choice based on the overall strength of its bid, including its technical capabilities, high-quality and safety standards, ferry-building experience, proven ability to deliver safe, reliable vessels on dependable timelines, and the overall cost and value it delivers for our customers – all essential as we continue to experience growing demand and the urgent need to renew our aging fleet."

These ships are suggested to have a 45 year long life. According to BC Ferries, with addition of these ships to fleet corporation hopes to generate approximately 17,200 job-years of employment, $1.2 billion in wages, and contribute $2.2 billion to B.C.’s GDP over their service lifetime. The NMV's are mentioned as built with "Diesel-battery hybrid propulsion systems and designed with the capability to operate on full electric power in future". These vessels come with a faster loading and unloading feature, projected to improve schedule efficiency and reduce wait times during peak periods. Descriptive information can be found at BC Ferrie's New Major Vessels page.

Age of Major Vessels (Courtesy: BC Ferries)

This project is suppose to be biggest project too the date for BC Ferries. The contract which was approved by BC Ferry Commission for procurement of four New Major Vessels (NMVs) in March 31, 2025. However, the Commission did rejected the proposal to build fifth vessel. BC Ferries has outlined 5 reasons to build the fifth vessels which included growing demand, capacity pressure, economic impact, rising cost, and support from the public as well as industry leaders.

China Merchants Industry Group (CMI), has been successfully delivering the ships to docks for more than a century being in existence since, 1964. The group recently (April, 09) signed a order with Grimaldi Group from Italy for Nine Ro-Pax ships for Grimaldi Lines, Minoan Lines and Finnlines. The company has also manufactured 15 ships for Stena RoRo prominent industry leader in ship industry.

In addition, BC Ferries article quotes Mike Corrigan (Chief Executive Officer, Interferry) as, "Over the last decade or so, the vast majority of Interferry’s operator members building large ferries have done so and continue to do so in China. In fact, there are only a few remaining shipyards outside of China that still have the desire, expertise and/or infrastructure required to build large, complex ferries, as well as provide support throughout the vessel’s life."

The Ferries has also announced another major renovation project at it's busiest Terminals which is Vancouver's "Horseshoe Bay Terminal" considerably beginning, This coming Fall.

Read more about the Renovation Project at BC Ferries Article "BC Ferries advances construction, introduces customer-focused improvements for Horseshoe Bay".

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About BC Ferries

BC Ferries is "Crown Corporation" operating in West Coast of British Columbia since, 1960 with 37 ferries sailing in 25 routes out of 47 terminals spread over 1,600 kilometres of coastline. With a vision to connect communities and customers to people and places important in their lives. The corporation is operating under the BC Ferry Commissions since 2003.

Interested to work at BC Ferries, for Current Job roles Click here. More about BC Ferries can be found at BC Ferries Mediaroom, YouTube Channel or Official Website

About China Merchant Industry (CMI) Weihai

The China Merchant Industry is subsidiary of China Merchants Group (CMG), established in Hong Kong in 1964 originated from Yiulian Dockyards. With seven shipbuilding and repairs bases, including nine major shipyards. The business primarily focuses on ship repairs and conversion, off-shore equipment manufacturing, and shipbuilding (including PCTCs, RoRo/Ro-Pax ships, chemical tankers and cruise ships). More about CMI can be seen at Official Website.