As one new BC Ferries vessel begins its service on Wednesday, June 10, another will be retired after more than 60 years of transporting passengers.
One of the two newest ships in the fleet, Island Discovery officially commences service Wednesday, June 10, on the Texada Island-Powell River route, according to BC Ferries. North Island Princess will be retired after its final sailing on June 9.
Island Discovery, the first of a series of hybrid-electric ships designed for future full electric operation, has been overnighting at Saltery Bay Terminal while preparing to take over for North Island Princess. The new ships are fitted with hybrid technology that bridges the gap until shore charging infrastructure and funding become available.
BC Ferries originally planned to host a public open house to showcase Island Discovery, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a short video was created with messages from community representatives, so people can take a virtual tour of the ship instead.
Dignitaries featured in the video include Gail Blaney from Tla’amin Nation, Northern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee chair Kim Barton-Bridges, qathet Regional District Electoral Area D director Sandy McCormick, Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicolas Simons, Sunshine Coast Tourism executive director Paul Kamon, Texada Island Chamber of Commerce president Cindy Babyn and Powell River mayor Dave Formosa.
Island Class ferries have the capacity to carry 47 vehicles and up to 392 passengers, depending on configuration. From the exterior details to the engines, the design of the new vessels reduces underwater radiated noise, lowers emissions and improves customer service, according to BC Ferries.
The second vessel in the island-class series, Island Aurora, will replace Quadra Queen II on the Port McNeill-Alert Bay-Sointula route next week. Quadra Queen II will become a relief vessel.
Partial funding for the two island-class vessels was provided by the federal government through the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component national and regional projects.
