The MV Quinsam's days in local waters are numbered with the beginning of dock fitting and sea trials for its replacement Island-class vessels. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

NEW BOAT

Dock fitting & trials to commence for two-ferry service between Nanaimo & Gabriola Island

Jan 21, 2022 | 4:13 PM

NANAIMO — BC Ferries are planning for a major step forward in service connecting Gabriola and Vancouver Islands.

The Island Aurora, one of the new hybrid-electric vessels BC Ferries have in their fleet will join the MV Quinsam on service linking Nanaimo Harbour and Descanso Bay between Jan. 25 to 27.

Dock fitting on the Island Aurora will occur the day prior, Monday, Jan. 24.

“The trial period will give crews the chance to monitor travel and loading times and validate the schedule for two-ship service,” a service notice from BC Ferries read.

No schedule changes are anticipated beyond the possibility for additional crossings as the Island Aurora makes trips from Nanaimo to Gabriola Island.

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BC Ferries warned there may be fewer pay parking spots available at the Nanaimo Harbour terminal as a result of the additional crew required to run both vessels.

Work was done at both terminals in November and December to ready the ramps for the new vessels.

It’s expected two of the new Island-class ships, the Gwawis and the Kwigwis, will come into service on the route in the spring.

They will replace the aging MV Quinsam which has struggled to keep up with demand and its sailing schedule between the two communities in recent years.

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