Travel advisory: Adverse Weather - Tuesday, November 12 View ×

Issued on: Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Due to forecasted high winds for the Strait of Georgia, service on multiple routes in this region may be affected today, Tuesday,  November 12, 2024.

Service Notices have been posted for several routes. Please check back or subscribe for updates.

The safety of our passengers and crew is of primary importance to us, and we will continue to monitor this weather system and share information as it becomes available. For further information regarding the weather warnings in place, please visit Environment Canada.

For the most up-to-date sailing and departure information, customers can follow our @BCFerries  X Account, check Current Conditions  or visit bcferries.com.

Read more

For Immediate Release
21-059
December 14, 2021

BC Ferries names and christens the fifth Island Class ferry

Island Kwigwis will enter service in 2022

VICTORIA – BC Ferries revealed the name of its latest Island Class Ferry today at a naming ceremony at its fleet maintenance facility in Richmond, B.C. Island Kwigwis is the newest vessel to join the fleet and will begin service in the spring of 2022, allowing for two-ship operation on the Nanaimo Harbour – Gabriola Island route. 

The name Kwigwis, which means "eagle of the sea," was selected with support from the 'Na̲mg̲is First Nation and celebrates the beauty of the journey and the important connection to coastal communities. Today's ceremony began with a few words from BC Ferries and Damen Shipyards, followed by the unveiling of the ships' name, and the christening of the hull. 

In keeping with maritime tradition, BC Ferries selected sponsors for each of the ships. These roles are important – each sponsor bestows the ship with good luck and protection for all those who travel on them. Each Island Class ship has a community sponsor and a sponsor from the BC Ferries family. Chief Bill Cranmer from 'Na̲mg̲is First Nation christened Island Kwigwis along with Linda Provost, Planning and Business Advisor with BC Ferries. 

"Island Kwigwis represents a small step on the path to fostering our relationships with First Nations, embracing our environmental responsibilities, while maintaining our commitment to the communities we serve," said Mark Collins, BC Ferries' President & CEO. "This ship will connect people and we are grateful for the opportunity to make that happen."

Island Class ferries have the capacity to carry up to 47 vehicles and up to 450 passengers and crew. They are battery equipped ships designed for future full electric operation. The ships are fitted with hybrid technology that bridges the gap until shore charging infrastructure and funding becomes available in B.C. From the exterior details to the engines, the design of the new vessels reduces underwater radiated noise, lowers emissions and improves customer service.
 
BC Ferries looks forward to welcoming this ship into service next year.
 
Island Kwigwis, the newest Island Class vessel to be added to the BC Ferries fleet.
Island Kwigwis, the newest Island Class vessel to be added to the BC Ferries fleet.
Island Kwigwis sponsors: Chief Bill Cranmer of ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation with BC Ferries’ Planning and Business Advisor, Linda Provost along with BC Ferries President and CEO, Mark Collins.
Island Kwigwis sponsors: Chief Bill Cranmer of ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation with BC Ferries’ Planning and Business Advisor, Linda Provost along with BC Ferries President and CEO, Mark Collins.
- 30 -
 
Media Contact:
BC Ferries, Communications
Victoria: (250) 978-1267

Customer Contact:
Victoria: (250) 410-1465
Toll-free: 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779)

Note to newsrooms: For urgent media inquiries off-hours, call our off-hours line at (250) 516-7211.
Very weak Weak Medium Strong Very strong password.strength.unsafepwd Too short Use %d - %m characters with a mix of any 3 [upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers & symbols] 8 32 Password must be more than eight characters and contain a mix of any three of the following: upper case letters, numbers and symbols. Password must be less than 32 characters and contain a mix of any three of the following: upper case letters, numbers and symbols. Enter current password Enter valid email address Password not valid Select account type Enter first name Enter last name Confirm Email Not Valid Password must be more than eight characters and contain a mix of any three of the following: upper case letters, numbers and symbols. Passwords do not match Enter valid postal/zip code Loading... Please wait... Stores loaded View schedule from View sailing status from Discover our routes from to