Plans are advancing to launch a fast ferry service between Nanaimo and Vancouver this summer. The Port Authority's administration building will serve as a venue to transfer passengers. (Heydemann Art of Photography)

By Ian Holmes

moving forward

‘We’re really pleased with the progress:’ Nanaimo fast ferry proponent ramps up for summer launch

Jan 26, 2023 | 5:26 AM

NANAIMO — Preparations by the operator of a pending fast-ferry service linking the downtown cores of Nanaimo and Vancouver are in full throttle mode behind the scenes.

Slated to launch this summer at a yet-to-be determined date, Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC) CEO Alastair Caddick confirmed they are on target to unveil the service in a matter of months aboard two, nearly completed 350 passenger catamarans.

He recently toured the fully paid for vessels being constructed by a Dutch firm in Vietnam.

“We’d say they’re 95 per cent complete, we had a walk-through and we’re putting finishing touches on the interior design and the colours and all the equipment that we need and seats and so-on, we’re really pleased with the progress.”

The boats are projected to provide service between Nanaimo and Vancouver in about 70 minutes.

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Caddick said they have a handful of employees already hired, with a projected workforce of about 60 full-time staff, most of which will be Nanaimo based.

Applications are being accepted on the company’s website for a range of positions.

Key features about the vessels, scheduling and fare information will be released in the late spring, Caddick said.

“We will start to roll out some more information around the sailing schedule: how frequent will we be, what the price point will be, and we promise an affordable price point. Later in the spring we will be able to commit to a date of a first sailing.”

Caddick said they can’t commit to a launch date until after the vessels arrive, noting necessary safety protocols are required, including sea trials.

While Caddick remains tight-lipped about the pending schedule, several daily round trips will be made.

Late night sailings to accommodate concerts and sporting events in Vancouver are also pledged by VIFC.

All of the seats will be reservable through an online booking system.

The company is actively researching locations in downtown Nanaimo to serve as its headquarters for the Harbour City based service.

Last fall a celebratory launch event hosted by the Nanaimo Port Authority formally introduced VIFC, who then announced a summer 2023 launch in front of an appreciative mix of local government and business leaders.

Caddick said the public’s reaction was positive following their launch event, stating justifiable skepticism from the public regarding previous failed fast ferry ventures is fading.

“People seeing that those partners are in place, hearing the news about the vessels being built and us committing to a 2023 launch, people are starting to believe.”

VIFC intends to serve between the Nanaimo Cruise Ship Terminal and Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre at the base of Thurlow St. in a partnership involving Toronto based private equity firm Conqora Capital Partners, Nanaimo Port Authority and Snuneymuxw First Nation.

A long-term agreement to launch the passenger-only service was first revealed in Sept. 2021.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes