BC Ferries has put up for sale four older ferries it plans to retire.
The company is seeking expressions of interest for the Queen of Esquimalt, the Queen of Saanich, the Queen of Vancouver and the Queen of Tsawwassen. The vessels range in age from 45 to 48 years old. The company plans to retire these vessels once three new Coastal Class vessels and an intermediate-sized vessel join the fleet. The Coastal Renaissance, the first of the Super-C class vessels, arrived in Vancouver in mid-January and will enter service in early 2008. The Coastal Inspiration and the Coastal Celebration will enter service by mid-2008.
BC Ferries has received expressions of interest and is engaging international ship brokers to locate additional potential buyers for the ships. Prospective buyers have until March 1 to submit a bid.