BC Ferries’ two new island-class ferries are expected to arrive at the Breakwater District at Ogden Point in Victoria on Saturday, January 18. One of the ferries is destined for the Texada Island-Powell River route, replacing the North Island Princess.
According to a media release from BC Ferries, from the exterior details to the engines, the design of the new vessels reduces underwater radiated noise, lowers emissions and improves customer service.
“It’s an exciting day for BC Ferries and coastal BC communities as we welcome these ships to their new home,” stated BC Ferries’ president and CEO Mark Collins. “The anticipated arrival of these battery hybrid-electric ferries marks a major milestone in our plan to progressively lower emissions across our fleet and be a leader in transitioning to a lower carbon future.”
The vessels departed Constanta, Romania, on November 20 on a semi-submersible transport vessel. The ships will spend five days at the Breakwater District at Ogden Point while preparations are made to unload and deliver them to Point Hope Maritime in Victoria. To do so, the semisubmersible transport ship will partially submerge and the two ships will be floated off and maneuvered by tugs to Point Hope Maritime.
The shipyard that built the ferries has an agreement with Point Hope Maritime of Victoria to provide technical and warranty support for the new vessels, ensuring repair and maintenance activities will be performed in BC. Point Hope Maritime is recommissioning the ships, as is required after transport. This work includes starting up all of the systems and final inspections. BC Ferries will take ownership following this process. The ships will then be christened before BC Ferries moves on to crew training, ship familiarization and dock fits.
“We are proud to support the environmental leadership investment BC Ferries has made in these new hybrid vessels, and we welcome our service agreement with the shipbuilder that has resulted in capacity development and new specialized jobs here at Point Hope,” stated Point Hope Maritime general manager Riccardo Regosa. “We have a dedicated team of skilled employees who have been training for the ships’ arrival. We look forward to playing an integral role getting these vessels ready for service, and to provide ongoing reliable, quality services ensuring that BC Ferries’ next generation vessels perform optimally.”
The island-class ferries are battery-equipped ships designed for future full electric operation and are fitted with hybrid technology that bridges the gap until shore charging infrastructure and funding becomes available in BC.
BC Ferries expects to welcome the ships into service by mid-2020. The company will hold events to celebrate their introduction.
