BC Ferries Commissions Second PacifiCat

BC Ferries' second fast ferry, PacifiCat Discovery, was officially commissioned at a ceremony attended by Gordon Wilson, minister responsible for BC Ferries; Michael Francis, chair of BC Ferries' board of directors; and Bob Lingwood, president and CEO. The second PacifiCat delivers considerable cost savings and construction efficiencies compared with the first PacifiCat. Discovery was completed eight months faster and cost $10 million less than the first vessel. PacifiCat Discovery will begin scheduled service as the lead vessel out of Horseshoe Bay. At the same time, PacifiCat Explorer will enter dry dock for scheduled maintenance work. During the busy Christmas period, the two fast ferries and a conventional vessel will be in service on the Departure Bay-Horseshoe Bay route. On Jan. 4, 2000, dedicated fast ferry service begins between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay with conventional vessels providing only supplementary service during peak travel times.