Work is currently underway to adjust the berthing structures to allow two new Island Class ferries to dock in Nanaimo and Gabriola Island. (BC Ferries)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

ferry work

Terminal work underway to accommodate new ferries to serve Nanaimo-Gabriola Island

Nov 10, 2021 | 1:37 PM

NANAIMO — Crews are adjusting berthing structures to accommodate new vessels poised to serve the Gabriola Island/Nanaimo route.

Deborah Marshall with BC Ferries said the work is happening overnight this week to avoid service disruptions.

“We’re doing that on both sides of the route and that’s to allow us to safely and efficiently accommodate the new Island Class vessels which will come online in the spring.”

The technical work applies to fender panels on the berthing structures at the Descanso Bay and Nanaimo Harbour terminals, Marshall said, noting the work is scheduled to be complete by Saturday morning.

Two electric hybrid doubled-ended ferries built in Romania will relieve the nearly 40-year-old MV Quinsam on the Nanaimo-Gabriola run.

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Getting acquainted with the new vessels will be a focus for BC Ferries employees in the months ahead.

“We’re doing crew training, dock trials, Transport Canada certifications and a bunch of other items to enable us to put both of these ships into service on the Gabriola run in the spring,” Marshall said.

BC Ferries invested in six Island Class ferries for smaller routes, one of which is in service based out of Port McNeill, while another will sail between Powell River and Texada Island.

The vessels all carry 47 vehicles with hybrid technology until shore charging infrastructure is available for fully electric operation.

Wider vehicle lanes and dedicated spaces for pedestrians and bicycles are other features.

Marshall said having two vessels assigned to the Nanaimo-Gabriola run as opposed to one will provide an improved service

“We will be providing greater capacity and frequency for our customers during peak times.”

The Island Class ferries carry slightly fewer vehicles than the MV Quinsam.

One of the new vessels recently arrived from overseas, while Marshall said the second ferry is en-route.

BC Ferries’ Campbell River to Quadra Island is also receiving a pair of Island Class ferries next year.

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