BC Ferries revealed the names of its third and fourth Island Class ferries at a special naming ceremony at Victoria’s Point Hope Maritime. Island Nagalis and Island K’ulut’a are the newest vessels to enter the fleet, allowing two-ship service to begin on the Campbell River – Quadra Island route in 2022.

BC Ferries selected the names following a community engagement process. The names celebrate the important connection to some of the coastal communities the ferries will serve. In both Kwak̓wala and Lik̓wala, two of the Kwakwaka’wakw dialects, Nagalis means “dawn on the land” and K’ulut’a is the name for Porpoise. Today’s ceremony began with a few words from   BC Ferries, representatives from We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum nations, and dignitaries, followed by the unveiling of the ships’ names and the christening of the hulls.

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 ship has a community sponsor and a sponsor from the BC Ferries family. In recognition of her achievement and service with BC Ferries, Fleet Strategic Planning Manager Joanne Doyle christened Island Nagalis along with Lorraine Henderson from Wei Wai Kum First Nation representing the community. June Johnson from We Wai Kai Nation joined BC Ferries’ Crewing Advisor Jennifer Thacker to christen Island K’ulut’a.

BC Ferries is pleased to partner with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) once again to commission original artwork from Indigenous artists for the interior of the Island Class vessels. The art recognizes Indigenous peoples as stewards and original mariners of B.C.’s coastal waterways. FPCC will manage the open call to artists, and facilitate an equitable selection process. Further details will be announced in the fall.

Island Class ferries have the capacity to carry 47 vehicles and up to 400 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 these ships into service in 2022.

Quotes:

“Today’s ceremony marks a major milestone as we bring two additional Island Class vessels into the fleet. When these ships enter service next year, they will connect communities and help BC Ferries in its journey towards being one of the most sustainable companies in the world. We are grateful to have members of the BC Ferries family and the communities we serve bestow the ships with good luck and protection.”

Mark Collins, President & CEO, BC Ferries

“The future of BC Ferries is innovative, leading edge, and ready to adapt to changing economic, social and environmental climates, without compromising safety, efficiency and reliability. Adding these two new Island Class ferries to the fleet is a major step forward as BC Ferries focuses on providing world-class service to communities up and down coastal British Columbia.”

Brenda Eaton, Chair, Board of Directors, British Columbia Ferry Services Inc.

“The addition of the third and fourth Island Class vessels to BC Ferries’ fleet is great news for coastal communities. I commend the effort to move towards cleaner technology that aligns with our Government’s Clean BC plan to reduce GHG emissions in transportation. This will benefit ferry users and all British Columbians for generations to come.”

The Honourable Rob Fleming, MLA, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“For the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, this project provides a unique opportunity to share the exceptional work of Indigenous artists with people from across B.C. and around the world. We hold our hands up to BC Ferries for partnering in a fair and equitable Indigenous-led selection process and for acknowledging the Kwakwakaw̓akw language in the vessel names.”

Karen Aird, Acting CEO, the First Peoples’ Cultural Council