New ferry built in B.C.

Vancouver Shipyards of North Vancouver has won a $45.5 million contract to build a new medium-sized vessel for B.C. Ferries.

The new 125-car ferry will replace the 46-year-old Queen of Tsawwassen, and is expected to go into service on the Earls Cove-Saltery Bay run on the Sunshine Coast in the summer of 2008. With room for 600 passengers, the new ship will include a lounge and snack bar.