A ceremony was held at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania to launch the tenth Island Class ferry, built for BC Ferries. These ferries operate along Canada’s west coast, connecting various islands.
This ferry is the last of an order for four vessels. Once delivered, it will join six Island Class ferries that Damen has already provided, making it the largest class of vessels in BC Ferries’ fleet.
The Island Class ferries are designed to enhance passenger comfort, lower environmental impact, and increase vehicle capacity by 71% along with a 135% rise in passenger capacity on the routes they serve. This translates to an additional 200 vehicle spots and 2,000 passenger spots.
Progress on the Project
Recently, the shipyard reached important milestones in the construction of the Island Class vessels. The eighth vessel began its sea trials on February 23, 2026, the same day the seventh vessel, Island xwsa?ux?ul, left for Canada.
Standardizing the Fleet
The Island Class vessels play a vital role in BC Ferries’ efforts to standardize its fleet. This initiative aims to simplify operations, making it easier to train staff, stock spare parts, and assign ferries where they are most needed.
The process of standardisation also ensures a more consistent experience for passengers while significantly cutting down on costs related to logistics, operations, training, and maintenance. The Island Class ferries come with battery and diesel-hybrid technology, allowing them to operate fully electric once charging stations are set up onshore.
Nicolas Jimenez, President and CEO of BC Ferries, stated, “Launching the final Island Class vessel marks a crucial step in renewing our fleet and enhancing service for coastal communities. These new vessels provide extra space for more passengers and vehicles, helping us replace old ships with modern, efficient ones. This is essential for maintaining reliable ferry service for the communities that depend on it daily.”
Honoring Tradition
The tenth Island Class vessel is named Island K’asa, a name given by the Wei Wai Kum First Nation. In the Kwak’wala language, it means ‘Otter’, symbolizing a guardian spirit and the interconnectedness of life. After delivery, the ferry will operate on Route 23, which runs between Campbell River and Quadra Island.