B.C. Ferries has announced a plan to install whale detection devices on a select number of ferries later this year. A study is currently underway to select the right type of device.
As a first step, B.C. Ferries has put out an RFI (request for information) specifically looking for whale detection technology, with the goal of having this technology operational by fall, 2026. “There’s definitely a preference for something that can be mounted on the vessels” said Leslie James, Director of Environmental Sustainability at B.C. Ferries.
These detection devices would start on northern-route vessels servicing Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii, and Vancouver Island, with the idea of expanding to other routes. Additionally, the Northern Expedition route has already adopted a slower travel speed of 10 knots, down from the previous 18 knots as of June 2026.
The challenge of avoiding whale strikes by large vessels is a difficult problem to solve; both whales and ships may benefit from new detection technology.
Photo Credit: Sara Hysong-Shimazu
