Jan 21, 2025

By Mathew Channer

BC Ferries vessel Queen of Surrey is expected to remain out of commission until the end of the month, according to BC Ferries.

The vessel, which has been in service for more than 40 years, was pulled from the Horseshoe Bay to Langdale service on January 1^st to undergo repairs to its propulsion system. Services are now being operated by the even older Queen of Coquitlam.

The need for repairs highlights the challenges BC Ferries face of an aging fleet and increased traffic. In 2024 BC Ferries handled its highest-ever peak season traffic, and the numbers are expected to increase as BC’s population grows.

In December 2024, BC Ferries submitted an application to the British Columbia Ferry Commission to build five New Major Vessels. The project would replace four older, smaller vessels, increase the total fleet from 11 vessels to 12, and include upgrades to existing terminals to accommodate the new ships. New vessels would enter service at 6-month intervals beginning in 2029. The new vessels would be diesel-battery hybrids, designed to operate on bio and renewable diesel, with propulsion systems designed to reduce underwater noise.

The new vessels project aims to meet rising populations whilst keeping fares as affordable as possible.

BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez says BC Ferries has a responsibility to provide reliable service to Canadians.

“Our busiest routes are too often fully booked during peak travel times, leaving many without access to the sailings they need,” he said. “Without the addition of these vessels on our major routes, we’ll be unable to keep pace with the rising population and it will create a real impact on the economies of coastal communities.”

The British Columbia Ferry Commission released a redacted version of the BC Ferries New Major Vessel proposal that was open to public comment until January 17, 2025. The British Columbia Ferry Commission has not announced when it will announce its decision on the proposal, though a decision is expected this year.