BC Ferries’ fourth Island Class ferry is on its way to B.C. — it departed Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania early in the morning on June 8, three weeks after the company’s third Island Class vessel.
The yet-to-be named ferry will make the transatlantic voyage under its own power in about 60 days, depending on weather. The 10,700 nautical mile journey will include two stops for refuelling before transiting the Panama Canal, according to BC Ferries. The vessel will sail up the west coast of North America to arrive at Point Hope Maritime in Victoria, B.C.
The Island Class is a hybrid diesel-electric ferry and part of BC Ferries’ Clean Futures Plan and the company’s goal to be efficient and environmentally responsible throughout its system.
“These hybrid-electric ships are designed for future full electric operation. The vessels are fitted with hybrid technology that bridges the gap until shore charging infrastructure and funding become available,” said Capt. Jamie Marshall, BC Ferries’ vice-president, shipbuilding and innovation.
The third Island Class ferry, given the temporary name Island 3, began its transatlantic voyage from Romania to B.C. in May and is currently mid-Atlantic, northwest of the Cape Verde Islands, according to BC Ferries. The ships are part of a series of six new Island Class ferries joining the BC Ferries fleet.
To follow the vessel’s journey and track its progress including course, position and speed, visit vesselfinder.com and look for the ship under the temporary name, Island 4. BC Ferries will take ownership of the vessel upon final inspection at Point Hope Maritime.
Together with the third Island Class vessel, this ferry will provide two-ship service on the Campbell River – Quadra Island Route starting in 2022.
