Salish Orca will serve the Comox – Powell River route in British Columbia, Canada
By
Rebecca Gibson |
BC Ferries’ first dual-fuel ferry, Salish Orca, will officially start service on the Comox – Powell River route in British Columbia, Canada on 16 May 2017.
Salish Orca is the first of three new Salish Class vessels that can be operated on either natural gas or ultra-low sulphur marine diesel. This will help BC Ferries to save an estimated 9,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year – the same as removing around 1,900 passenger vehicles from the road annually.
All three ferries can accommodate up to 600 passengers and crew and 145 vehicles and have been named in honour of British Columbia’s native Coast Salish people. Each vessel features the artwork of a different First Nations artist.
Passenger amenities include a Coastal Café, a gift shop, lounge seating with panoramic views, a children’s play area, an open sun deck with seating, a pet are and elevators.
“We are very excited to introduce this beautiful new ship, Salish Orca, into service and see the dual-fuel technology at work,” said Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ president and CEO. “BC Ferries recognises the service the Queen of Burnaby has provided millions of customers over her five decades. We look forward to the safe and reliable service Salish Orca will provide customers for years to come, as well as her additional environmental and cost-saving benefits.”