Finnish hotel developer Sunborn International has unveiled plans for a new 250-room floating hotel in Canada, in collaboration with the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC).
The project aims to bolster the local economy, create jobs, and offer a solution to the city’s demand for additional hotel space.
Go deeper with GlobalData
VHFC chairman Graham Clarke said: “The new floating hotel will be a jewel for the crown of Vancouver’s waterfront.
“The new property will contribute to the urgent need for hotel rooms in Vancouver in an innovative and effective way, with no permanent footprint or environmental ramifications, adding new public spaces, viewpoints, cafés and restaurants to Vancouver’s vibrant waterfront.”
The floating hotel is designed to be built off-site to eliminate disruption during construction.
It is also planned to be an environmentally friendly development, with renewable energy systems expected to reduce power consumption by 60%-70%.
The hotel’s integration with the Vancouver Convention Centre’s infrastructure will allow it to operate like a land-based building, with no water discharge.
In addition, the hotel will not use fossil fuels nor generate emissions from engines or generators.
Sunborn International CEO Hans Niemi said: “We are excited about the opportunity to bring our new generation of low-carbon floating hotels to the Vancouver waterfront.
“The vessel will be newly built for Vancouver and our intention is to develop a beautiful on-the-water hotel, blending seamlessly and adding new spaces for the public to enjoy.”
The project is expected to generate more than 200 direct new jobs and represents a fully privately funded development.
Sunborn International and its partners are currently in the re-zoning process with the City of Vancouver, and if approved, the floating hotel is scheduled to open in 2027.
