BC Ferries’ fifth Island Class hybrid electric ship passed through the Panama Canal over the weekend and is expected to arrive in B.C. by late September.
The vessel, temporarily named Island 5, departed Romania on July 31. BC Ferries said it will take ownership of the ship upon final inspection at Point Hope Maritime in Victoria.
The new vessel will enter service next year and will help provide two-ship service on the Nanaimo Harbour – Gabriola Island route.
The Island Class are battery equipped ships designed for full electric operation. They are fitted with hybrid technology that bridges the gap until shore charging infrastructure becomes available. The design of the new vessels reduces underwater radiated noise and lowers emissions, according to BC Ferries.
To follow the ship’s journey and track its progress including course, position and speed, visit vesselfinder.com and search for Island 5.
