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