The third Island-class ferry built in Romania for B.C. Ferries is expected to pull into Point Hope Maritime in Victoria on Thursday morning, before relocating in the afternoon to Point Hope Maritime for an inspection.
Places to watch the ferry come into the harbour include Dallas Road, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Songhees Walkway, Wharf Street, and the Johnson Street Bridge, B.C. Ferries suggested Wednesday.
It will be followed by the fourth Island-class ferry, which made its way through the Panama Canal this past weekend.
Built at Damen Shipyard’s Romanian location, the third vessel left for its journey, which took it through the Panama Canal, on May 19.
Patbaywebcam.com recently noticed Island 3 had slowed and circled off the coast of California as it faced strong headwinds and high seas.
Astrid Chang, manager of corporate communications for B.C. Ferries, said Tuesday the alterations of course and speed were related to the weather conditions Island 3 was encountering, adding the vessel also refuelled in Long Beach.
Damen will hand the ferry over to B.C. Ferries after it is looked at by Point Hope workers, who will be maintaining it.
It is scheduled to start service on the Campbell River-Quadra Island route next year, sharing the job with the fourth Island-class ferry.
Island 4 left Romania in early June, and stopped in Spain to have work done on its thrusters. Travelling at 8.9 knots, it’s expected in B.C. on Aug. 10, according to vesselfinder.com.
The two ferries will receive new names later this summer, B.C. Ferries said.
Island-class ferries are battery-equipped ships designed for full electric operation once charging infrastructure is constructed on shore. The ships are fitted with a hybrid technology for the interim. The interior and exterior design of the new vessels reduces underwater radiated noise and emissions, B.C. Ferries said.
Two more Island class ferries are being built in Romania as well.
