BC Ferries Launches Another Vessel

The hull and superstructure of BC Ferries’ Coastal Inspiration was officially launched at a special ceremony today in Flensburg, Germany. The ship is the second in a series of three new vessels being built at FSG Shipyards, and is expected to be completed in early 2008. The keel of the third Super C-class vessel, Coastal Celebration will be laid in Germany, and during the third week of September, the first vessel, Coastal Renaissance will set sail for British Columbia. The Super C-class vessels will be the largest double-ended ferries in the world. Each will carry 370 vehicles and 1650 passengers. Passengers will find more space, more comfortable seating and better viewing areas on the two passenger decks of these ships than on any other passenger ferries. They will also enjoy enhanced food and retail services. All three vessels will be in service by summer of 2008, improving the travel experience on all three Lower Mainland – Vancouver Island routes. The first vessel, Coastal Renaissance will provide service between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay. The second vessel, Coastal Inspiration, will serve on the Duke Point – Tsawwassen route and finally Coastal Celebration, the third ship will carry customers between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen.