BC Ferries has announced that a 1.5% fuel surcharge will apply to tickets starting June 1.

The charge will mean an additional 85 cents on a vehicle going from Metro Vancouver to Vancouver Island and 25 cents for an adult passenger.

BC Ferries said an increase in the cost of fuel necessitated the introduction of the charge.

The company does not benefit financially from the levy.

Photo credit: BC Ferries

“We now have five vessels operating on liquefied natural gas, a cleaner and less expensive fuel source than the ultra-low sulphur diesel we use for our other vessels,” said BC Ferries president Mark Collins.

“LNG is approximately 50% less expensive than diesel, and its use results in fuel savings that are passed on to our customers.

“Despite fuel switching and other initiatives to burn fuel more efficiently, a fuel surcharge is now necessary. Fuel is our second largest expense.”

He added: “We know that the affordability of travel is important to our customers, and we will continue to take measures to reduce our fuel consumption further through the introduction of diesel electric battery hybrid vessels.”

The 1.5% charge will apply to all routes except the Port Hardy – Prince Rupert, Prince Rupert – Haida Gwaii and Port Hardy – Central Coast routes.