Vancouver Sun

B.C. Ferries hires Dutch firm to build two vessels

- CARLA WILSON Victoria Times Colonist

B.C. Ferries has hired a Netherland­s-owned shipyard to build two new minor ferries and Point Hope Maritime in Victoria will be responsibl­e for maintainin­g them under their warranty.

None of the Canadian shipyards that were shortliste­d for the job submitted bids, B.C. Ferries said Tuesday.

Damen Shipyards Group will build the ships at its yard in Romania. The company has more than 30 internatio­nal yards.

The ferries will go into service in 2020.

The first will take over the Powell River-Texada Island route. It will replace the 59-year-old North Island Princess, which will be retired.

Next to arrive will be the replacemen­t for the Quadra Queen II on the Port McNeill-Alert BaySointul­a route. The Quadra Queen II will stay on as a relief vessel and permit the retirement of the 53-year-old Howe Sound Queen.

Each of the new ferries will be able to carry 44 vehicles and 300 passengers and crew. They’ll be equipped with a hybrid diesel electric-battery power generation and propulsion system.

The total project cost for the ferries is $86.5 million, with Ottawa paying a portion.

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