The time is now to build BC into Ferries
British Columbia wins when ships are built locally
We have to act immediately to ensure BC isn’t shut out of building BC Ferries
It’s decision time
BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels program presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build ferries in BC and support high-value jobs and economic growth in our province. Unless the BC Government and BC Ferries act immediately, the new vessels will be built in a foreign shipyard with no Canadian or BC content.
As we speak, BC Ferries is developing the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the vessel program and plans to release it in June 2024 – only a few months from now. In the current plan, this RFP will have no significant requirements for Canadian (including BC) content and will favour the lowest price bidder. Without strong requirements for Canadian content, a foreign shipyard will certainly win the competition.
That means BC shipyards and supply chain will be shut out of what will be the largest shipbuilding procurement in BC’s history. All of the economic benefits, tax revenue, innovation, green technology, supply chain and jobs will go to a foreign country. BC Ferries money – coming mainly from BC taxpayers – will leave Canada.
We must act now before this ship sails.
BC Ferries is about to embark on a major capital program that will revitalize much of BC’s ferry fleet.
BC shipyards, unions and marine suppliers want the opportunity to participate.
We want to keep shipbuilding jobs, wages and spending right here in British Columbia.
Here in BC, we are currently building the largest and most complex ships ever built in Canada. Seaspan was chosen to build 20+ large, complex vessels, some are heavier and longer than the BC Ferries New Major Vessels.
Let’s create a made-in-BC success story.
We have to act now to ensure BC’s world-class shipbuilding industry and workforce is included in the BC Ferries New Major Vessels program.
BC’s shipbuilding sector has never been more ready to help build BC Ferries
80% of British Columbians believe ferries should be built in BC.
The clock is ticking. BC Ferries is heading toward a Request for Proposal (RFP) process in June 2024. Add your voice to the growing list of people calling for the bidding process to prioritize BC companies.
The BC shipbuilding industry, local trade unions and hundreds of marine suppliers in BC and across Canada have joined forces to advocate for a build-in-BC approach to ferries.
Join us as we work to protect local jobs and maximize the economic opportunity for our province.
Time is running out to make this happen.
We support local shipbuilding
Working together to grow BC’s maritime industry
Our Supporters
Backed by BC trade unions
Backed by BC marine workers and business associations
Our Supporters
“Building significant portions of the new BC Ferries in BC continues to leverage what NSS has started in terms of building a robust supply chain and shipbuilding ecosystem in BC. This will support a significant number of jobs in BC but will also form the foundation for business expansion, innovation, and broader growth in BC versus overseas.”
— Dave Vanlaar, President, AdvanTec Manufacturing Canada
“Supporting and generating well-paid, long-term jobs and the revenues that flow back to the BC Government will help to advance the significant social and economic agenda your Government has set.”
— Tony Scott, Commercial Director, Barrier Marine Services
“It is this kind of industrial strategy that will lead to long-term economic benefits, not just for companies like ours in the shipbuilding ecosystem, but more broadly to our province.”
— Jim Longo, President, Ideal Welders
Local ships, local jobs
Between 2012 and 2035 Seaspan Shipyards will contribute more than $2.5 billion in municipal and provincial government taxes
Shipbuilding is an economic engine for BC.
A recent, independent economic analysis conducted by noted BC economist Teresa Watts demonstrated the additional economic value of building ferries in BC. Total Impact:
90% of British Columbians want to see the creation of long-term jobs for BC residents and ensure that BC shipyards and their suppliers have fair opportunity to bid on work.
BC’s industry has proven expertise in large vessel shipbuilding capabilities
It’s a new era in BC shipbuilding
Here in BC, we are currently building the largest and most complex ships ever built in Canada. Our success is built on a foundation of innovation, expertise and sustainability.
In 2011, Seaspan was awarded the largest federal procurement in British Columbia’s history. As a strategic partner under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan was chosen to build 20+ large, complex vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard. This includes the Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship that will be delivered in 2025 and is both longer and heavier than the BC Ferries New Major Vessels.
Seaspan is leading the growth of a West Coast centre of maritime excellence:
A growing team of more than 1600 skilled trades members
A Canadian supply chain of more than 700 Canadian companies (500 in BC)
One of one of the most modern shipyards in North America, with advanced robotics and automation
The largest maritime engineering team in Canada, including 300+ employees, plus 400+ partner staff
Cheaper is not always better
Building ships with BC workers and high environmental standards matters
BC shipyards have a higher cost structure, primarily due to skilled worker wages. A low-cost bid project, with no incentive, points or value for the use of BC workers and suppliers, ensures that much or all of the work will be conducted in low wage nations, with low environmental, safety and employment standards.
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