ISLAND 5 © BC Ferries

BC Ferries fifth Island Class ferry prepares for final leg of journey to B.C.

BC Ferries’ newest hybrid electric ship transited the Panama Canal over the weekend and is now preparing for its trip home to British Columbia. ISLAND 5, as it is temporarily named, departed Romania on July 31 under its own power. BC Ferries expects the ship to be in B.C. by late-September, depending on weather.

The Island Class are battery equipped ships designed for full electric operation. The ships are fitted with hybrid technology that bridges the gap until shore charging infrastructure becomes available. From the exterior details to the engines, the design of the new vessels reduces underwater radiated noise, lowers emissions and improves customer service.

BC Ferries will take ownership of the new Island Class ferry upon final inspection at Point Hope Maritime in Victoria, B.C.

BC Ferries looks forward to welcoming the vessel into service next year. Together, ISLAND 5 and ISLAND 6 will allow for two-ship service on the Nanaimo Harbour – Gabriola Island route starting in 2022. BC Ferries looks forward to officially naming the vessels before they enter service and celebrating with the communities, when the time is right.

Sep 08 2021