Here are the names of BC Ferries’ new Summit Class vessels

Designed for the busiest routes, each Summit Class vessel is designed to carry up to 360 standard-sized vehicles and up to 2,100 passengers and crew – an increase of approximately 80 more vehicles and over 1,000 additional passengers compared to some of the vessels they will replace.

BC Ferries has announced the names of its next major vessels as part of its long-term fleet renewal program.

The new Summit Class vessels will be named Summit Arbutus, Summit Cedar, Summit Maple and Summit Spruce.

BC Ferries says the names were developed through workshops with employees and external participants.

BC Ferries president and CEO Nicolas Jimenez said the names reflected input gathered during consultations.

“We heard clearly through the naming process the importance of connecting these vessels to the natural environment of British Columbia and to the communities they serve,” Jimenez said in a statement.

The first vessels are scheduled to begin entering service in 2029, with all four expected to be in operation by 2031.

The company says each vessel will be capable of carrying up to 360 vehicles and about 2,100 passengers and crew.

BC Ferries says the Summit Class vessels will replace four of the oldest ships in its fleet and the new ships are expected to carry more vehicles and passengers than some of the vessels they will replace.

The ships are being designed for use across major routes and as a standardized class to allow for interchangeable deployment within the system.

Ed Hooper, BC Ferries’ head of fleet renewal, said consistency is a key consideration in the design of the new vessels.

“As we build the Summit Class, consistency matters,” Hooper said. “Operating multiple vessel types can limit flexibility when issues arise.”

The BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union said its members will operate and maintain the vessels once they enter service.

In a statement, union president Eric McNeely said ferry workers are responsible for day-to-day operations across the fleet.

“Behind every sailing, on every vessel, are skilled workers who move people and goods safely and reliably,” McNeely said.

BC Ferries says additional Summit Class vessels could be added in future phases, subject to approval by the BC Ferry Commission.