BC Ferries names four new ships after B.C. trees
Summit-class vessels will be called Arbutus, Cedar, Maple and Spruce, connecting ships to the natural environment.
BC Ferries has announced official names for its four New Major Vessels being built in China: the Summit Arbutus, Summit Cedar, Summit Maple and Summit Spruce.
The ferry company says the names were selected after consultation with employees and external participants who expressed a strong preference for names reflecting the coast, natural environment and communities served by the ferries. Each name connects to iconic trees found across British Columbia.
"Arbutus, cedar, maple and spruce are some of the most recognizable trees in British Columbia—they're central to our forests, reflect a long tradition of environmental stewardship, and help define the province's landscape," said Robert Guy, professor emeritus in the Faculty of Forestry at UBC.
The Summit-class vessels are designed to serve major routes linking Metro Vancouver with Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. The naming approach contrasts with BC Ferries' 2025 decision to name its Island-class expansion fleet using Indigenous languages, resulting in names like Island Gwa'yam and Island K'asa.
BC Ferries faced controversy last year when it announced the Chinese shipyard contract, sparking debate over Canada's shipbuilding capacity. The federal Crown corporation Canada Infrastructure Bank provided a $1-billion, low-cost loan to support the purchase.