In 2023, Seaspan commissioned a report outlining how ferries could be built in British Columbia, the economic benefits of such a decision and the possible procurement options that would allow this to proceed. The BC Building Trades was aware of the report and supported efforts by the local shipbuilding industry to advance its recommendations. Unfortunately, despite repeated efforts to explore the merits of these options, BC Ferries proceeded with prioritizing the lowest bid in their procurement of the next four major vessels.
The report provides a path that BC Ferries could have taken — one that supported building ferries locally, further developed a marine industry that aligned with the provincial marine shipbuilding plan and supported thousands of local jobs. But instead, BC Ferries chose a different path.
The decision to build ferries in China was not inevitable. It came after years of inaction to support our local industry.
The BC Building Trades reiterates our call to build ferries in B.C. We urgently call on the provincial and federal governments to invest in a meaningful shipbuilding strategy that requires local content on federal and civil vessel construction, invests in training, expands shipyard capacity and establishes a vessel recycling program for coastal communities.
Get the Facts
- The report outlined two scenarios for local ferry construction: Option 1 – proposed full outfitting in B.C. of six vessels after the first vessel. Option 2 – proposed partial structure builds.
- The report detailed the economic benefits to our province including a forecast of $121-$234 million in additional tax revenue.
- The report identified between 2,500-5,800 direct jobs would be created at Seaspan.
BRYNN BOURKE
Executive Director
The BC Building Trades represents over 45,000 unionized construction workers across B.C. Over 2,500 of our members work in B.C. shipyards.
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