New ferry arrives in Victoria as it prepares for service on Nanaimo-Gabriola route

Another new BC Ferries vessel has arrived in Victoria, and it will soon be making its way up-Island to service the route between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island. The post New ferry arrives in Victoria as it prepares for service on Nanaimo-Gabriola route appeared first on CHEK .

Another new BC Ferries vessel has arrived in Victoria, and it will soon be making its way up-Island to service the route between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island. Island sarlequun (pronounced sar-le-qwun) is the second Island Class vessel to arrive this year, after Island xwsaĺux̌ul arrived in June. READ PREVIOUS:

New ferry for Gabriola Island arrives, final testing and training to begin The two ferries were built in Romania, and another two are set to arrive and enter service within the next year. “This vessel has travelled a long way to reach British Columbia, and today it begins a new chapter,” said Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO of BC Ferries. “We are grateful to Snuneymuxw First Nation for gifting the name sarlequun.

It connects this vessel to the people and place it is expected to serve, and we recognize the importance of carrying it with respect.” Both new ferries will be operating on the Nanaimo Harbour to Gabriola Island route, and will be increasing capacity on “one of BC Ferries’ busiest interisland routes.” The ferries are hybrid-electric ferries that will be able to operate on electric power once the shore-based charging infrastructure is in place in 2027.

“Every new vessel entering service strengthens our ability to provide safe, reliable service for the coastal communities that depend on BC Ferries,” said Ed Hooper, head of fleet renewal at BC Ferries. “Island sarlequun reflects the progress we’re making to renew our fleet with modern vessels that improve reliability today while supporting the future electrification of our system.” Once Island sarlequun is in service, it will replace Island Gwawis, which will then be deployed to the Crofton-Vesuvius Bay route.

The ferry’s name was gifted by the Snuneymuxw First Nation, and it means “People at Nanaimo Harbour.” “We are honoured to see the name sarlequun carried by this vessel as it travels through the heart of our territories,” said Chief Mike Wyse, Xum’silum, Snuneymuxw First Nation. “We appreciate BC Ferries’ commitment to building a relationship grounded in respect, recognition, and meaningful action.

We support this launch based on a clear understanding of the rights enshrined in our Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty of 1854. On behalf of Snuneymuxw First Nation, we extend our well wishes for safe passage to all those who journey across sacred waters aboard sarlequun.” The post New ferry arrives in Victoria as it prepares for service on Nanaimo-Gabriola route appeared first on CHEK .