# BC Ferries service and shipbuilding developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bc-ferries-service-and-shipbuilding-developments
> Updated: 2026-09-02T23:29:09.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

BC Ferries experienced service cancellations on routes between Vancouver Island and the Central Coast due to a mechanical issue involving a vessel’s stern tube shaft seal. The repairs required the vessel to be placed in dry dock in Vancouver, with disruptions extending through September 7. To assist affected communities, the company sought a foot-passenger-only water taxi as a supplementary service.

In a separate development, more than 10 trade unions in British Columbia have called for a commitment to local shipbuilding for future fleets. This demand follows a decision to construct four ferries at a state-owned shipyard in China, a move Premier David Eby defended by stating local construction would have cost at least $1 billion more. BC Ferries noted that while two Canadian shipbuilders prequalified for the contract, neither submitted a final proposal.

During a news conference in Delta, representatives from the BC Building Trades challenged the assertion that local construction was unfeasible. While BC Ferries expressed support for growing Canada’s shipbuilding capacity, the corporation emphasized that government and industry investment is necessary to ensure local bidders can compete without passing increased costs to customers.

Since then, a coalition of more than 15 unions representing over 7,000 marine industry workers has launched the ‘Build Them Here’ campaign. The group is demanding that BC Ferries construct its next fleet, specifically the Summit Class vessels, within British Columbia to provide economic support for local families and reduce reliance on global supply chains for repairs and parts. BC Ferries maintains it adjusted qualification criteria specifically to encourage domestic participation during the procurement process.

## Claims

- More than 10 unions are pressuring BC Ferries to commit to local shipbuilding for future fleets. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Building four ferries in China was chosen because local construction would have cost at least $1 billion more. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Two Canadian shipbuilders prequalified for the last ferry contract but neither submitted a final proposal. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- BC Transit workers in Greater Victoria will begin an overtime ban on September 1. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The overtime ban is expected to cause trip cancellations and delays in the Victoria Regional Transit System. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Union coalition demands BC Ferries build next fleet in British Columbia

A coalition of over 15 unions has launched the ‘Build Them Here’ campaign, urging BC Ferries to build its next fleet in British Columbia instead of overseas.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/union-coalition-demands-bc-ferries-build-next-fleet-in-british-columbia

### 2026-08-18: BC Ferries announces service cancellations due to mechanical issues

BC Ferries has announced service cancellations between Vancouver Island and the Central Coast through September 7 due to a mechanical issue requiring dry dock repairs.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bc-ferries-announces-service-cancellations-due-to-mechanical-issues

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Cite as: BC Ferries service and shipbuilding developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bc-ferries-service-and-shipbuilding-developments