The last of the Salish-class ferries has passed through the Panama Canal and is now heading north in its final stretch before arriving in Victoria late this month.
The Salish Heron is the final of four Salish-class vessels built by Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Gdansk, Poland. It will serve the southern Gulf Islands, including routes between Swartz Bay and Pender, Saturna, Mayne and Galiano islands, beginning this summer.
The Salish Heron sailed out of Poland on Dec. 22. By the time it arrives, it will have travelled more than 10,000 nautical miles.
When it reaches Victoria, it will first be inspected at Ogden Point before heading to the fleet maintenance unit in Richmond, where B.C. Ferries will become its official owner.
Final work before the ferry goes into service will be carried out in Richmond, and the design of a heron by Penelakut First Nation artist Maynard Johnny Jr. will be applied. Each Salish class ferry features Indigenous artwork on its exterior.
The new Salish class of vessels is part of efforts to standardize the B.C. Ferries fleet. Fewer classes mean crew can be trained on more than one identical ferry.
Salish class ferries are powered by liquified natural gas, a cleaner fuel than diesel. The smaller Mayne Queen, which relied on diesel fuel, will now be retired.
The Salish Class hull design creates a very small wake and the electric propulsion and structural design ensure a quiet ride, B.C. Ferries said.
Each Salish ferry is 351 feet long and can carry up to 138 vehicles and 600 passengers and crew.
To follow the Salish Heron’s journey, go to vesselfinder.com.
