BC Ferries Christens the Fifth Island Class Ferry
BC Ferries revealed the name of its latest Island Class Ferry this week at a naming ceremony at its fleet maintenance facility in Richmond, B.C. Island Kwigwis is the newest vessel to join the fleet and will begin service in the spring of 2022, allowing for two-ship operation on the Nanaimo Harbour – Gabriola Island route.The name Kwigwis, which means "eagle of the sea," was selected with support from the 'Na̲mg̲is First Nation and celebrates the beauty of the journey and the important connection to coastal communities.
Study Reveals Ferry Industry’s Huge Economic Impact
A study commissioned by trade association Interferry has revealed startling statistics on the far-reaching extent of the global ferry industry’s value to the world economy.Research into the latest pre-Covid full-year figures found that, in 2019, ferries carried 4.27 billion passengers – on a par with aviation – and 373 million vehicles across a worldwide fleet of 15,400 vessels. Among other findings, the industry provided 1.1 million jobs, contributed $60 billion to the world…
Corvus to Supply ESS for BC Ferries Newbuilds
Corvus Energy reports it has been selected by Damen Shipyards to supply the energy storage system (ESS) for four new battery-hybrid ferries for BC Ferries.BC Ferries placed a repeat order with Damen Shipyards Group for four Damen Road Ferries 8117 E3 design—known by BC Ferries as the 'Island Class' vessels. The diesel-electric hybrid ferries are prepared for fully battery-powered, zero-emissions operation in the future. Until electrical charging systems are in place, the ferries…
BC Ferries Endorses BC Safety Charter
British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries) informed that its President & CEO Mark Collins is the latest executive to join the BC Safety Charter, a move that highlights the company’s commitment to improving and promoting workplace safety.The signing ceremony took place this morning at BC Ferries’ head office in Victoria, British Columbia, said a press release from the provides all major passenger and vehicle ferry services for coastal and island communities in the Canadian province of British Columbia.“Safety is our highest value. Maintaining a safe environment for our customers and employees requires our continued focus and diligence,” said Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ President and CEO.
B.C. Ferries Going on Building Spree
Canadian ferry owner and operator British Columbia Ferry Services Inc (BC Ferries) will be building up to five new ferries to replace four existing vessels.The provider of all major passenger and vehicle ferry services for coastal and island communities in the Canadian province of British Columbia said in a press release that it invites customers and communities to join conversations about the new vessels and to provide input that will help shape their future onboard experience."The new ferries will potentially add capacity to the Metro Vancouver – Vancouver Island routes and replace the Queen of New Westminster, Queen of Alberni, Queen of Coquitlam and Queen of Cowichan that currently serve those routes…
Interferry: Diverse Operations Common Successes
In October the world’s ferry operators gathered in Split Croatia for the Forty Second Annual Interferry Conference. The 470 or so delegates represented 210 operators and support companies from 27 countries. A trade show included firms from around the world including shipbuilders, naval architects, equipment suppliers, training and others of the diverse group that make up the ferry industry. In a panel on Mediterranean Ferries, Philippe Holthof, of the Belgian-based Shipax explained the huge size and complexity of the fleet.
