BC Ferries' latest hybrid vessel begins voyage to Victoria

Source: · CTV VANCOUVER · | August 6, 2021

VICTORIA -- BC Ferries' fifth hybrid electric vessel, temporarily named the Island 5, has just begun its journey from Romania to Vancouver Island.

The voyage is expected to take about 60 days, as the Island 5 travels roughly 10,700 nautical miles to Point Hope Maritime in Victoria for final inspections.

Four other Island Class hybrid ferries are already in use in BC Ferries' fleet, or are en route to British Columbia.

The most recent ferry, the Island 3, arrived in Victoria for final inspection in late July.

According to BC Ferries, the introduction of more Island Class ferries is part of the company's plan to streamline its fleet.

"Today, we have 35 vessels in 17 different classes across our fleet," said BC Ferries vice president Cpt. Jamie Marshall in a statement Wednesday.

"We are aiming to create approximately six classes of vessels in the future," he said.