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BC Ferries

Sector(s)
Public Transit
Location(s)
Vancouver area
Participation
$75 million
(Under development)
Partner(s)
BC Ferry Services Inc

Vancouver area to get its first new electric ferries

Investment supports the purchase of four electric ferries

Fast facts

About 9,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions saved annually
Cleaner and quieter transportation option for Vancouver-area commuters and tourists
Reduces passenger exposure to emissions from diesel ferries

Our $75-million investment towards the purchase of four electric ferries will give Vancouver-area commuters and tourists cleaner transit options.

The loan will help cover the higher upfront capital costs of zero-emission ferries (ZEFs) while reducing the pressure to increase fares.

The vessels scheduled to be in-service by May 2027 launch efforts by one of the world’s largest ferry operators to replace its fleet with environmentally friendly and quieter vessels.

Benefits of CIB involvement

The CIB’s first investment in Zero-Emission Ferries expands its transit portfolio and helps the operator fund a project that is not expected to result in materially higher ridership or revenues.

Learn more

BC Ferries
BC Ferries
photo of ferry in British Columbia on the water
photo of ferry in British Columbia on the water
Government of Canada

This partnership between the Canada Infrastructure Bank and BC Ferry Services is an incredible first step towards the electrification of one of the world’s largest ferry networks. Greener transit is a vital part of our work to tackle climate change and the work that CIB is doing to support it will go a long way in helping us reach our goals of net zero emissions by 2050.

The Hon. Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Government of Canada

More zero-emission ferries will have great benefits for the environment and communities nearby, including quieter vessels and lower carbon emissions. This is another step toward Canada meeting its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Hon. Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport
BC Ferries

Our partnership with the CIB to deliver these new Island Class vessels will increase system capacity, improve our flexibility to move ships across routes and make it easier to train and deploy our teams. It’ll also help us achieve important environmental benefits. All of this increases our passengers’ confidence we’ll get them where they need to go in a safe, reliable and environmentally conscious way.

Nicolas Jimenez, President and Chief Executive Officer