By
Rebecca Gibson |
Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards it to build a CAD15 million cable ferry for BC Ferries, which will serve on the route between Buckley Bay and Denman Island, Canada.
Expected to be operational by summer 2015, the 78.5m cable ferry will accommodate up to 50 vehicles and 150 passengers. Construction is scheduled to start in June 2014, while the vessel is due for delivery in the first quarter of 2015.
“We are proud to partner with BC Ferries to build its first-ever cable ferry, and this announcement is a further demonstration of our commitment to establishing Seaspan Shipyards as a world-class shipbuilding and ship repair centre of excellence,” said Brian Carter, the yard’s president.
In December 2013, BC Ferries sent Seaspan proposals for the construction of three new, intermediate-class vessels. However Seaspan has withdrawn from this proposal after securing Seaspan has been offered a multi-year, multi-billion dollar opportunity to build up to 17 vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).
“Seaspan is committed to returning BC’s shipbuilding industry to its once thriving roots,” said Carter. “Our capacity in the coming years will be consumed by this work and we look forward to opening up efficient commercial shipbuilding at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards, including future BC Ferries newbuilds and mid-life upgrades, once the early NSPS vessels are successfully delivered.”