BC Ferries’ newest vessel, Salish Orca, visited Powell River as part of the ferry corporation’s preparations to bring the vessel into service in April.
About 50 people gathered at the Westview terminal Wednesday, February 22, to catch a glimpse of the new ship and watch it dock for the first time at the downtown terminal.
BC Ferries employees, members of Northern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee and media were invited aboard for a tour.
When it goes into service, the new vessel will replace the 51-year-old Queen of Burnaby between Powell River and Comox.
BC Ferries vessel-replacement program superintendent Chris Frappell took about 20 people around the ship’s six decks.
Although the ship was complete when it sailed from Poland where it was constructed, it is having its final details attended to while crews are trained.
The ship is the first of three dual-fuel Salish-class ships. The Orca’s three engines are capable of running either natural gas or diesel, though according to Frappell, even when the engines are running on gas some diesel is still required as the engines do not have spark plugs.
Running on gas will create about a 9,000 metric tonne carbon reduction per year.
Ferry advisory committee chair Kim Barton-Bridges was one of the group touring the ship and expressed relief with the vessel.
“I’m excited to have it,” said Barton-Bridges. “It can’t come soon enough.”
The new vessel’s carrying capacity is slightly lower than the vessel it is replacing, a concern for some worried that the smaller ship will not be able to handle traffic volumes. The Burnaby could take 168 vehicles full-loaded, while Salish Orca will be able to take 145,
City of Powell River councillor Karen Skadsheim, also a member of the ferry-advisory committee, said she thinks the ship will work well on the route.
“It will be a good vessel,” said Skadsheim. “It carries slightly fewer cars than the Burnaby, but I’ve looked at the traffic stats and, except for possibly a couple of long weekends, I don’t think capacity is going to be an issue. It’s a good size for us.”
