By
Rebecca Gibson |
Canadian ferry operator BC Ferries has contracted Poland-based Remontowa Shibuilding to build three new, CAD 165 million intermediate-class vessels.
Following a competitive bidding process, Remontowa was awarded the contract due to its design and construction plan, its recent experience building intermediate-class ferries and its ability to introduce new technology such as LNG. The shipyard also had to show proof of customer satisfaction, a guaranteed delivery schedule, price and payment terms and financial stability.
Approved by BC Ferries’ board of directors, the project has a total budget of CAD 252 million, which includes financing and project management costs. The budget also includes CAD 51 million for Canadian taxes and federal import duties.
“These are design-build, fixed-price contracts that provide BC Ferries with substantial guarantees related to delivery dates, performance criteria, cost certainty and quality construction,” said Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ vice president of engineering.
As the first dual-fuel vessels in BC Ferries’ fleet, the newbuilds will be able to operate on either LNG or diesel fuel, which will significantly reduce environmental emissions. In addition, using LNG will decrease fuel costs, which will reduce the need for rising passenger fares.
Each of the 105 m vessels will cater for 145 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew. One of the newbuilds will replace the 49-year old Queen of Burnaby on the route between Comox and Powell River, while another will replace the 50-year old Queen of Nanaimo, which services the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route. The third vessel will sail during the peak season on the Southern Gulf Islands route and provide refit relief across the fleet.
“As we begin the next phase of our newbuild programme, a key objective is to achieve capital and operating cost savings and efficiencies through an overall class and standardisation strategy,” said Wilson. “Standardisation offers greater interoperability, lower crew training and maintenance costs and also enhances safety. This is a significant step forward in taking BC Ferries from 17 classes of ships to five classes.”
BC Ferries’ first new vessel is scheduled to be delivered in August 2016, while the second and third are due for delivery in October 2016 and February 2017 respectively.