An aging fleet, busy terminals, and hundreds of thousands of passengers trying to cross the water.

This year, BC Ferries continued to face the same challenges it dealt with in 2024, including the need for more vessels to keep pace with demand.

In June, the company announced China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards as the winning bid to build four of their new vessels following a five-year procurement process.

The announcement did not sit well with politicians at a time when Canada was trying to strengthen its domestic industries amid tariff uncertainty from the U.S.

Premier David Eby faced the brunt of this criticism, saying that while it wasn’t ideal, he wouldn’t dispute the deal.

“Reopening would mean a delay in delivering ferries for British Columbians who are desperate for them,” Eby said in June.

“It would mean significantly increased costs. At this point, I’m not prepared to do that.”

Come July, the House of Commons transport committee began a study of the deal, as it was partially purchased through a $1-billion federal loan.

Then-Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland was called to speak at the committee, where she expressed her disapproval of the deal.

“I am dismayed by this procurement. I have made that very, very clear,” said Freeland.

Freeland’s comments could come back to haunt her when the Globe and Mail reported on emails suggesting the ministry knew of the deal weeks in advance, requiring Freeland to testify yet again.

BC Ferries says no Canadian companies bid to build their ships.

CEO Nicolas Jimenez said that for Canadian shipbuilders to take part, they need to have the capacity and skilled labour to deliver fixed-price contracts on time, and quality must be assured.