BC Ferries selects CMI Weihai shipyard to build ferry quartet

British Columbia’s BC Ferries announced it has selected China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards (CMI Weihai) to build four new major vessels (NMVs) following a rigorous global procurement process that included a public request for proposals, comprehensive bid evaluations, international site visits, and independent third-party reference checks.

The vessels will replace four aging ships nearing the end of their service lives. “BC Ferries will have our own professional team of shipbuilding experts onsite at the shipyard throughout construction to provide ongoing oversight and quality assurance,” said Ed Hooper, BC Ferries’ head of fleet renewal.

Since 2016, BC Ferries has added ten new vessels to its fleet, including four mid-size Salish class vessels and six smaller Island class ships.

With four more Island class vessels arriving in 2026, and all four NMVs expected to be in service between 2029-2031, BC Ferries remains on track to introduce 18 new vessels in just 15 years.

BC Ferries references China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards’ strong record of building passenger and vehicle vessels for large operators.

The company also highlights that in their first 10 years of service it