New ferry contract buoys spirits at B.C.’s shipyards

Construction of $45.5-million vessel slated to begin in 2008. Advocates of local shipyards have something to smile about with the recent confirmation that Vancouver Shipyards will be responsible for building B.C.’s newest ferry. The shipyard is contracted to build a new 125-car ferry, classed as an intermediate size vessel. Construction is slated to begin later this year with completion scheduled for 2008 on the $45.5 million project. The 100-metre vessel will replace the 46-year-old Queen of Tsawwassen. The new vessel will initially sail on the Earls Cove-Saltery Bay route on the Sunshine Coast.