Four major new BC Ferries are on the way but plans for a fifth have been rejected for now.

The new ships will replace four aging vessels, the Queens of Cowichan, Alberni, Coquitlam and New Westminster.

It’s the largest capital project in the history of BC Ferries.

The first of the new vessels are expected to enter service in 2029, with all four operational by 2031.

BC Ferries had requested permission to build a fifth ship at the same time to increase capacity in the system.

All decisions on major capital expenditures for BC Ferries have to go through the BC Ferry Commission, an independent regulator that also sets the limit on average fare and reservation increases.

This week BC Ferries commissioner Eva Hage released her 32 page decision on BC Ferries application for new vessels, giving the go ahead to the four replacement ships, but rejecting the application for a fifth.

Midcoast Morning speaks with Hage and BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez about the development.