B.C. Ferries’ s newest vessel will be called Salish Heron.
The name was one of the short-listed suggestions in a 2015 public naming contest for the three previously constructed Salish-class ferries.
The 351-foot-long ferry is scheduled to go into service from Swartz Bay to the Southern Gulf Islands of Pender, Saturna, Mayne and Galiano in 2022, replacing the diesel-fuelled Mayne Queen.
It follows Salish Orca, Salish Eagle and Salish Raven, built in 2016, also by Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Gdansk, Poland.
Salish Heron will be decorated with Coast Salish artwork on its exterior and interior, similar to the other Salish-class ferries.
B.C. Ferries says it is working with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council to commission an original design from a Coast Salish artist. Expressions of interest and portfolios can be submitted by May 10.
The cultural council and B.C. Ferries officials on a special committee will shortlist up to four artists to create design concepts, and from there, one artist will be chosen.
Salish Heron will run on liquefied natural gas and have capacity for 138 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew.
In December, the vessel was launched at Remontowa. Sea trials are expected to continue until late this year.
The total project budget, including financing and project management costs, is about $92.3 million.
Details of the call for artists can be found at the First Peoples’ Cultural Council website at fpcc.ca/stories/bcferries2021.
