BC Ferries is in the process of procuring four new hybrid electric vessels that are expected to bolster passenger capacity throughout the ferry system. The company, which in December secured capital funding approval from BC Ferries Commissioner Eva Hage, said in a Dec. 11 statement that it hopes by 2027 the new vessels would be able to operate routes linking Nanaimo Harbour and Gabriola Island and Campbell River and Quadra Island. Each route would be served by two of the new vessels. The project would include electrical upgrades to allow for quick shore-based charging. “BC Ferries proposed these four new…