Western Pacific Marine has been named in a second lawsuit over unpaid work on construction of the new Kootenay Lake ferry.
In a notice of civil claim filed through the B.C. Supreme Court on April 22, Albion Marine Solutions alleges it is owed $515,796.64 for work completed on the new vessel being constructed in Nelson.
The claim names Western Pacific Marine and the province, represented by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, as defendants.
According to the lawsuit, Albion was hired in September 2024 to supply equipment, materials and services for the new ferry.
However, the company claims it completed additional work in July and August 2024, including fabrication, design, project management and supplying HVAC-related materials for multiple decks.
Albion said it submitted 10 invoices between July and September 2025 that remain unpaid.
“To date, the Invoices have not been paid, and WPM, the Ministry, or both, owe Albion the pre-interest sum of $515,796.64,” reads the lawsuit.
The company also alleges breach of contract and unjust enrichment and is seeking damages equal to the outstanding amount, along with interest and court costs.
“WPM, the Ministry, or both, are in breach of the general organizing principle of good faith in contractual performance and their duties to act honestly in the performance of contractual obligations,” the lawsuit states.
Western Pacific Marine and the ministry acknowledged the lawsuit in two separate statements to Vista Radio.
The ministry said it will not comment on the specifics of the case as it is before the courts. It added it takes its contractual obligations seriously and will respond through the appropriate legal process.
The ministry also said it has retained KLF Project Management Ltd., also known as Argus Marine, a project management firm, to work with existing subcontractors to complete the remaining portions of vessel construction and outfitting.
Western Pacific Marine provided a response through legal counsel.
“Western Pacific Marine is aware of the claim filed by Albion Marine Services. As this matter is now before the courts, it would not be appropriate to comment on the specifics, and we will not be providing further comment at this time,” said legal counsel for the company.
This is the second lawsuit filed against Western Pacific Marine in a 12-month period. An earlier lawsuit was filed in December 2025 by Vancouver-based EcoHeavyDuty Repairs, which alleges it is owed more than $6.4 million for labour and materials related to the same project.
That lawsuit claims 86 invoices submitted between January 2024 and September 2025 were not fully paid, despite more than $11.7 million in earlier payments.
The ferry project has faced several ongoing challenges.
In December 2025, the provincial government exercised its step-in rights to take control of the project, citing issues with delivery by WPM.
The $117-million project was originally scheduled for completion in 2023.
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