B.C. Ferries has its sights set on “shuttle-class” vessels that would operate in protected waters.
“We are in the planning stages to build shuttle-class vessels,” B.C. Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said.
“These ships would carry approximately 100 vehicles.”
The new ferries would be used on minor routes and replace aging vessels, Marshall said.
“We would build several of them.”
Prior to moving forward on the design of the vessels, B.C. Ferries is seeking a consultant to carry out a coastal analysis at the Campbell River ferry terminal, it said in a bid document published Tuesday.
The study will examine conditions such as wind, waves and climate — information that would be used to design the shuttle.
As well, it will look into whether there are ways to improve the terminal to mitigate any of those factors. This could include extending the break-water or work on the shore.
March 28 is the closing date to apply for the work.
B.C. Ferries will initiate the design of the new ferries soon, the bid document says.
Marshall said the planned ships would be a “continuation of our fleet standardization strategy” and help keep operating costs down over the long term.
