The sixth ferry in B.C. Ferries’ Island-class series arrived in Victoria on Tuesday.
The vessel will be officially named in January and ply the Nanaimo-to-Gabriola Island route in the spring, paired with an identical ferry recently named Kwigwis, said B.C. Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall.
The newest Island-class vessel left Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania on Oct. 11 under its own power on a 72-day transoceanic journey.
The six Island-class vessels are battery-equipped and designed for future full electric operation. The ships are fitted with hybrid technology that bridges the gap until shore charging infrastructure and funding becomes available in B.C.
From the exterior details to the engines, the design of the new vessels reduces underwater radiated noise and lowers emissions, said B.C. Ferries.
Once final inspections are complete at Point Hope Maritime, B.C. Ferries will take ownership of the vessel.
dkloster@timescolonist.com
