MacGregor Tech to Power BC Ferries' New Hybrid Fleet

GOTHENBURG, Sweden – February 17, 2026 – In a significant move for Canada's maritime infrastructure, MacGregor has secured a major contract to supply critical systems for four new vessels central to BC Ferries' ambitious fleet renewal plan. The Swedish maritime cargo and load handling specialist will provide advanced cargo access solutions and deck machinery for the next-generation, diesel-battery hybrid ships, which are poised to modernize travel on British Columbia's busiest coastal routes.

The order, booked in the first quarter of 2026, marks a key milestone in BC Ferries' largest single capital expenditure in its history. The new 172-metre vessels will be constructed at China Merchants Industry (CMI) Weihai Shipyard Co., Ltd., a facility with a strong reputation for building complex passenger ferries for international operators.

A New Era for Coastal Travel

This initiative is the cornerstone of BC Ferries' "New Major Vessels" (NMV) program, designed to address pressing needs for increased capacity and reliability. The four new ships are slated to replace some of the oldest vessels in the fleet—the Queens of Alberni, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Cowichan—which are approaching the end of their operational lives. The first of the new vessels is scheduled to enter service in 2029, with all four expected to be operational by 2031.

Designed specifically for the high-traffic routes between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, the new ferries represent a substantial upgrade. Each will be capable of carrying up to 2,100 passengers and crew, along with 360 standard-sized vehicles. This is a significant increase from the retiring vessels, which typically accommodate between 1,200 and 1,500 people and around 300 vehicles. This boost in capacity is a direct response to rising passenger demand and aims to alleviate the congestion and long wait times that have become a point of frustration for travelers, a concern underscored in recent customer surveys where reliability was cited as a top priority.

"Our goal is to build a ferry system that is reliable, sustainable and ready for future growth," stated Nicolas Jimenez, President and CEO of BC Ferries. "We appreciate the commitment to excellence from our suppliers like MacGregor as we work towards delivering a modern ferry experience for our customers and maintaining the vital connection between BC's coastal communities for decades to come."

Engineering a Greener, Quieter Voyage

A defining feature of the new fleet is its focus on environmental stewardship. The vessels are designed as diesel-battery hybrid ships that are "all-electric ready," meaning they can be converted to fully electric operation once the necessary shore-based charging infrastructure is in place. This forward-looking design aligns with the global shift toward decarbonization in the maritime industry.

The hybrid system offers immediate environmental benefits, including reduced fuel consumption and a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond air quality, the design tackles another critical environmental issue: underwater noise. The vessels will be equipped with propellers specifically engineered to minimize acoustic disturbance, providing vital protection for at-risk marine life, including the sensitive whale populations in BC's coastal waters.

MacGregor's contribution is integral to this modern design. The company's specialized cargo access equipment and deck machinery are designed for efficiency and reliability, which in turn contributes to the overall energy performance of the vessels. The selection of a proven partner for these core systems is crucial for the successful operation of such technologically advanced ships.

A Global Partnership for a Local Lifeline

The project highlights a collaborative, global effort to enhance a vital regional transportation network. The selection of China Merchants Industry (CMI) Weihai Shipyard followed a rigorous international procurement process. The shipyard is recognized as a global leader in passenger ferry construction, having delivered complex RoPax (Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger) vessels for major European lines and, importantly, for Canada's Marine Atlantic, demonstrating its experience with Transport Canada's stringent standards.

MacGregor's role extends beyond being a simple equipment supplier. The contract includes a comprehensive Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) package, a key element that underscores a commitment to the vessels' entire operational lifecycle. This package ensures high equipment availability, streamlines maintenance, and provides BC Ferries with predictable, long-term technical support.

"This is a great achievement that reinforces our commitment to our customers," said Magnus Sjöberg, Executive Vice President of MacGregor's Merchant Solutions Division. "By collaborating closely with the owner and our key partners, we were able to demonstrate our ability to deliver the right solutions to meet their specific needs."

This long-term support is critical for ensuring the fleet remains resilient and efficient. The standardized design across the four vessels will simplify crew training and operations, allowing for more flexible deployment and minimizing disruptions during maintenance periods.

Enhancing Efficiency and the Passenger Experience

Beyond their environmental credentials, the new ferries are engineered to significantly improve operational efficiency and the customer experience. Each vessel will feature control bridges at both ends, a design that eliminates the need to turn around in port and is expected to shorten turnaround times. Furthermore, wider vehicle ramp openings will facilitate faster loading and unloading, directly addressing terminal congestion.

Passengers will also see enhanced amenities, including three indoor passenger decks and dedicated facilities for bicycles. In a first for the fleet, the new ships will feature an indoor pet lounge on a passenger deck, a welcome addition for travelers with animals. The quieter ride afforded by the hybrid propulsion system will also contribute to a more comfortable journey.

The combination of increased capacity, faster turnarounds, and improved reliability from a modernized fleet is expected to directly address the core concerns of the communities that depend on the ferry service. By replacing aging, mechanically prone ships, BC Ferries aims to reduce service interruptions and provide a more predictable and dependable connection.

"The Integrated Logistic Support package underscores our commitment to support the lifecycle of these vessels," added Tomas Hakala, Executive Vice President of MacGregor's Global Services Division. "The ILS package ensures the high availability of the equipment and provides BC Ferries with the predictability and technical support when needed."