Eby Says He Won’t Interfere in BC Ferries’ Deal With Chinese Shipyard, Citing ‘Urgently’ Needed Vessels

6/18/2025|Updated: 6/18/2025

British Columbia Premier David Eby says that while the decision by BC Ferries to hire a Chinese state-owned shipyard to build four new vessels is not his preferred outcome, he will not ask the ferry operator to reopen the procurement process, citing the urgent need for the vessels.

Eby made the comments at a press conference on June 17, while discussing the outcomes of his recent 10-day trade mission in Asia, which did not include China. He said he has raised concerns with BC Ferries about the deal, but that re-awarding the contract is not an option due to the time and financial costs involved.