B.C. Ferries’ newest vessel arrived in Victoria this morning, after a pit stop for repairs in Spain while en route to B.C.
The vessel, which will be moved to Point Hope Shipyard for inspections this afternoon, will eventually be used for service to Quadra and Gabriola islands.
The ferry, temporarily named Island 4, left Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania in early June. That shipyard has a contract to build six vessels in that class for B.C. Ferries.
The first two Island-class ferries, Island Discovery and Island Aurora, were brought to Victoria via a semi-submersible heavy lift vessel in 2019 and are now in service on the Powell River-Texada Island route and the Port McNeill-Alert Bay-Sointula Island route.
A third arrived in Victoria in late July.
Island 4 was forced to stop in Spain in mid-June to have repairs after the crew detected problems with one of its thrusters.
The Island-class ferries are hybrid diesel-electric vessels designed for full electric operation. They can carry 47 vehicles and are double-ended for easy loading and unloading. The ferries also feature wide vehicle lanes, dedicated pedestrian paths, and bicycle parking spaces.
The design of the new vessels reduces underwater radiated noise and lowers emissions.
Once at Point Hope Shipyard, Island 4 will be inspected and B.C. Ferries will take ownership of the vessel. It will be put into service next year.
Anyone wanting to catch a glimpse of the latest vessel will be able to see it as it sails into Victoria’s Upper Harbour today .
Ideal viewing locations will be Dallas Road as it approaches Ogden Point, then Fisherman’s Wharf, the Songhees walkway, Wharf Street, and the Johnson Street Bridge as it heads to Point Hope.
