The 652-cabin MV Isabelle is anchored off the coast of Nanaimo, awaiting deployment to Howe Sound in the spring. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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‘Luxury floatel’ anchoring off Nanaimo, supporting nearby LNG project

Feb 8, 2024 | 3:24 PM

NANAIMO — An unfamiliar ship is calling the region home for the next few weeks.

The MV Isabelle X arrived in Nanaimo waters on Wednesday, Feb. 7 from Vancouver and is set to stay in the region until April.

The 652-cabin vessel, described by Nanaimo Port Authority Capt. Satinder Singh as a “luxury floatel” is providing accommodations for workers at a site on the mainland.

“Woodfibre LNG has selected MV Isabelle to house its project construction workforce in Howe Sound, beginning spring 2024,” Singh said via email to NanaimoNewsNOW.

The Isabelle had a refit conducted last year and a final touchup at Seaspan’s North Vancouver shipyard earlier this year.

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It measures around 169 metres long, 28 metres wide with a draught of 6.2 metres.

Singh added the port authority is “supporting” the vessel, but it is not directly docking at its facility.

Instead it will be moored off the coast between Gabriola and Protection Islands.

The area is a safe distance away from any regular traffic, such as BC Ferries, Hullo Ferries or sea plane service in the harbour.

Its location provides a minimum 500 metre radius, required by the port authority, away from other traffic.

Despite not being docked, the ship is still being monitored regularly.

“The Port is a full-service Port with state-of-the-art MDA (Maritime Domain Awareness) system in place to maintain utmost safety, security, and environmental protection,” Singh said.

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