Construction begins
Three new intermediate class ferries (ICF) are now under construction.
The first steel was cut at Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. shipyard in Gdansk, Poland, last week, BC Ferries announced in a press release.
Representatives of the corporation were on hand to celebrate with a small ceremony. “Today is an exciting day for BC Ferries as we officially commence the physical construction of the first ICF, which will replace the 50-year-old Queen of Burnaby on the Comox – Powell River route,” said Mark Wilson, vice-president, engineering. “We look forward to welcoming these new LNG ferries to our fleet, to help reduce both upward pressure on fares and our impact on the environment.”
An extensive competitive bid process resulted in BC Ferries awarding the $165 million contract to the Polish shipyard, back in July 2014. One BC shipyard did submit a bid, but although shortlisted, it was ruled out as it had already committed to other projects.
The three vessels will add to BC Ferries’ fleet and will be constructed to operate on both diesel and liquefied natural gas fuel for propulsion and power generation.
If all goes to plan, August 2016 is the date when the first ICF is expected to enter into service. The second ICF will arrive in October 2016 and replace the 51-year-old Queen of Nanaimo, which sails between Tsawwassen and the Southern Gulf Islands. The third ICF will arrive in February 2017 and will be used “to augment peak and shoulder season service on the Southern Gulf Islands route, and provide refit relief around the fleet,” stated the release.
