The quartet will replace four of the operator's oldest ships, several of which are nearing the end of their service lives and increasingly prone to mechanical issues.

President and CEO Nicolas Jimenez said many of the company's largest ships are approaching the end of their expected service life, with the new vessels described as a critical part of renewing service on the busiest routes. Each Summit Class vessel is designed to carry up to 360 standard-sized vehicles and up to 2,100 passengers and crew – an increase of approximately 80 more vehicles and over 1,000 additional passengers compared to some of the vessels they will replace.

BC Ferries has selected China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards to build the 172-metre vessels following a global procurement process.

The Summit Class will feature diesel-battery hybrid propulsion and is designed for future full-electric operation. Each ship will be fitted with a 10 MWh battery from delivery, while being prepared to scale up to a 70 MWh battery pack as charging infrastructure matures. The design is also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve fuel efficiency and lower underwater radiated noise to better protect marine life.

Head of Fleet Renewal Ed Hooper emphasised standardisation, noting the identical, interoperable vessels can move flexibly across major routes. Additional Summit Class ships are anticipated, subject to Commission approval.

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