B.C. Ferries Selects Chinese Company for New Major Vessels
Queen of Cowichan is one of several B.C. Ferries vessels due for replacement. Credit: B.C. Ferries.
July 8, 2025
By Mathew Channer
B.C. Ferries has selected China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards (CMI Weihai) to build four New Major Vessels (NMVs) as part of its fleet expansion plan.
CMI Weihai is an experienced builder for large international operators and has built vessels for many major operators around the world.
B.C. Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez says CMI Weihai was the clear choice based on experience, proven reliability, and the overall cost and value for customers.
“CMI Weihai is a global leader in passenger ferry construction, and shipbuilding more broadly,” he said.
B.C. Ferries Head of Fleet Renewal Ed Hooper says the company’s shipbuilding team will be onsite throughout the construction process.
“We are confident that CMI Weihai will be able to meet our high expectations for safety and quality, while delivering tremendous value for our customers and on-time delivery of the four vessels,” he said.
Once the NMVs are in service in Canada, B.C. Ferries anticipates they will require $230 million in locally provided refits and maintenance during their first decade of service, and more than $1 billion over their expected lifespans. The vessels are expected to generate 17,200 job years of employment, $1.2 billion in wages, and contribute $2.2 billion to B.C.’s GDP.
Despite this, the company has faced criticism for choosing a Chinese company for the build amidst deteriorating Canada-China trade relations.
B.C. Ferries says its primary focus was securing the best deal for British Columbians.
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