The Salish Heron is scheduled to moor at Ogden Point on Thursday, marking the end of its 10,400-nautical-mile journey from Europe.
Built in Gdansk, Poland, the vessel set sail on Dec. 22. The ferry, which travelled through the Panama Canal, stopped last month in Manzanillo, Mexico, for fuel and provisions.
It will be inspected at Ogden Point before heading to B.C. Ferries’ fleet maintenance facility in Richmond. While it's there, a striking image of a heron, designed by Penelakut First Nation artist Maynard Johnny Jr., will be applied to the vessel.
The Salish Heron is set to serve the southern Gulf Islands, including routes between Swartz Bay and Pender, Saturna, Mayne and Galiano islands, starting this summer.
It is the fourth and final Salish-class ferry built by Remontowa in Gdansk. The total cost for all four was $292 million.
The vessels showcase Indigenous art and run on liquefied natural gas. The hull design creates a very small wake and the electric propulsion and structural design ensure a quiet ride, said B.C. Ferries.
The vessels are 351 feet long and can carry up to 138 vehicles and 600 passengers and crew.
