One of two new Island Class ferries now in operation on the Gabriola Island-Nanaimo BC Ferries run. (Submitted photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

new ferries

Pair of new hybrid ferries take over expanded Gabriola Island-Nanaimo route

Apr 12, 2022 | 5:56 AM

NANAIMO — A new era has arrived for the Gabriola Island-Nanaimo ferry route with two new hybrid vessels now sailing in local waters.

As of Tuesday April 12 Island Gwawis and Island Kwigi, both capable of carrying up to 47 vehicles and maximum 450 passengers and crew, are making the 20 minute commute.

The inaugural sailing left Gabriola Island at 5:15 a.m.

“We do have a new schedule in place, customers will obviously see more frequency of sailings and service with the two vessels in operation,” BC Ferries’ executive director of public affairs Deborah Marshall said.

Two ferries as opposed to one on the route daily results in a nearly 50 per cent increase in vehicle capacity when both ships are sailing, according to BC Ferries.

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Crews underwent extensive training since January in preparation of the new ferries serving the Gabriola Island-Nanaimo route. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Sailing frequency will double between the two destinations between 6:20 a.m and 5:05 p.m., hopefully ending frequently full sailings and compounding delays from loading and unloading the vessel.

The enhanced schedule followed community consultations and with the Gabriola Island Ferry Advisory Committee last year.

Marshall said new infrastructure for foot passengers on the Nanaimo side will complement the enhanced service.

“We have installed a separate walkway, that will help expedite the loading and unloading of foot passengers.”

BC Ferries closed the small public pay parking lot at the downtown Nanaimo ferry terminal to allow 12 parking spots for staff in conjunction with the new ferries taking over the route.

The two new battery equipped ferries are designed for future full electric use when on-shore charging infrastructure and funding is available.

Wide vehicle lanes, dedicated pedestrian areas and bicycle parking spaces are among the features of the ships built in Romania.

Marshall said extensive training and staff recruitment took place ahead of the new vessels taking over the route.

Each ship requires a five to seven person crew to operate under Transport Canada’s guidelines and the route has been plagued by crew shortages over recent months.

Marshall said being able to recruit from Nanaimo for a Vancouver Island-based boat made things easier to staff.

The 40-year-old MV Quinsam, with a larger vehicle capacity of 63 vehicles, is being moved to the Crofton-Salt Spring Island route starting on Wednesday, April 13.

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