Hybrid Gabriola Island ferries deemed summer success, environmental concerns remain
NANAIMO — The first summer test of a twin-ferry system is getting rave reviews from Gabriola Islanders.
The two new hybrid vessels, the Island Gwawis and Island Kwigwis, first hit the open waters on April 12, with both capable of carrying 47 vehicles and up to 450 passengers and crew for the 20 minute crossing to Nanaimo.
Steven Earle, chair of the Gabriola ferry advisory committee, said customers are happy with the new ferries as they look back at their inaugural summer sailing season.
“It went well, in fact, better than I even thought it would go. The extent of the lineups was significantly reduced, and that’s a real issue here on Gabriola because the lineup goes along a fairly narrow curvy road and it becomes a traffic issue.”