Low‑carbon floating hotel proposed for Vancouver waterfront

The project, led by Sunborn International Holding (SBIH) in partnership with the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC), aims to create a world-class destination without compromising the city’s limited real estate or environmental priorities.

“The new floating hotel will be a jewel for the crown of Vancouver’s waterfront,” says Graham Clarke, chairman of VHFC. “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.”

To minimize its ecological impact, the proposed Sunborn Vancouver will be built off-site, eliminating construction disruption. Once operational, it will source all its energy from renewable systems, reducing power consumption by an estimated 60 to 70 per cent. The hotel will not use fossil fuels and will generate no emissions from engines or generators, while ensuring no discharge into the water.

Sunborn Vancouver will also integrate with the existing infrastructure of the Vancouver Convention Centre, operating similarly to a land-based building.

Hans Niemi, CEO of Sunborn International, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “We are excited about the opportunity to bring our new generation of low-carbon floating hotels to the Vancouver waterfront,” Niemi said. “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.”

In addition to boosting Vancouver’s accommodation capacity, the hotel is expected to create more than 200 new jobs. The project is fully privately funded and is currently undergoing a rezoning process with the City of Vancouver.

Pending approval, the floating hotel is scheduled to open in 2027.