BC Ferries’ second of three new liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered Salish Class vessels, the Salish Eagle, arrived at its British Columbia home on March 20.
The 107-meter long vessel took 38 days to travel 10,440 nautical miles from Gdansk-based Remontowa Shipbuilding, where it was constructed.
Once Salish Eagle clears Canadian Customs and final inspections are complete, the ferry will be officially handed over to BC Ferries.
On March 21 the ship will proceed to BC Ferries’ refit facility in Richmond to prepare for operational service. It will move to Tsawwassen terminal in mid-April for crew training and familiarization, and to continue to ready the ship for regular operation.
“We are proud to welcome Salish Eagle, our second natural gas-fuelled ship, home to B.C. and into our fleet,” Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Engineering, said.
BC Ferries said that Salish Eagle is expected to enter service on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route in late June, while its sister ship, the Salish Orca, will start service on the Comox – Powell River route late next month.
The company added that its third Salish Class vessel, the Salish Raven, will depart Poland for British Columbia in April.
The Salish Class ships will carry 145 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew. With a gross tonnage of 8,728 tons each, the vessels feature two car decks and have a service speed of 15.5 knots.