Vancouver Shipyards to Build New Ferry

BC Ferries announced that it has signed a $45.5m contract with Vancouver Shipyards, a Washington Marine Group company, to build a new 125-car intermediate size ferry. Construction on the 328-ft. will begin later this year and the ship is expected to enter service by the summer of 2008. The new intermediate vessel will allow for the retirement of the 46-year old Queen of Tsawwassen. Over the next five years, BC Ferries will add eight new vessels at a cost of $1b to ensure the continued safety and reliability of the fleet.