BC Ferries Island Class

BC Ferries names four new hybrid-electric vessels after First Nations gifts

FerryBC Ferries has announced that its four newest Island Class hybrid-electric ferries will proudly sail as ISLAND GWA’YAM, ISLAND K’ASA, ISLAND XWSALUX'UL and ISLAND SARLEQUUN – Kwak’wala and hul’q’umi’num’ names gifted by the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and Snuneymuxw First Nations.

On Route 23 (Campbell River – Quadra Island), the two new vessels will honour the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum Nations with Kwak’wala names:

ISLAND GWA’YAM (pronounced Gwuh-yum) – meaning “Whale”, gifted by We Wai Kai Nation
ISLAND K’ASA (pronounced KAH-sah) – meaning “Otter”, gifted by Wei Wai Kum Nation

On Route 19 (Nanaimo – Gabriola Island), the two vessels will carry hul’q’umi’num’ names gifted by Snuneymuxw First Nation:

ISLAND XWSALUX'UL (pronounced Xwus-wol-ox-wutl) – “Grassy Place”, the historic site where the 1854 Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty was signed
ISLAND SARLEQUUN (pronounced Sar-le-kwun) – honouring the original peoples of Snuneymuxw

The names reflect each Nation’s profound connection to the marine environment, their languages, histories, and ongoing stewardship of the waters.

The four 81-metre vessels, currently under construction, will be battery-hybrid capable and among the most environmentally advanced ferries in the BC Ferries fleet when they begin service in 2027.

Nov 26 2025