Keel-laying of BC Ferries' new cable ferry held at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards
A special keel-laying was held on November 28 at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards, North Vancouver for the new cable ferry ordered by BC Ferries, the customer said in its press release.
Once complete, the cable ferry will measure 78.5 metres long and will accommodate 50 vehicles and 150 passengers and crew. After undergoing extensive crew training and familiarization, the cable ferry system is expected to be in operation on the Buckley Bay – Denman Island route in the summer of 2015.
In keeping with maritime tradition, today’s ceremony was marked by the placing of a silver bullion coin into the vessel to mark the official laying of the vessel’s keel. This special coin will permanently remain in place in the vessel for its service life.
Under contract to the Province of British Columbia, BC Ferries is the service provider responsible for the delivery of safe, efficient and dependable ferry service along coastal British Columbia.
BC Ferries is one of the largest ferry operators in the world, providing year-round vehicle and passenger service on 25 routes to 47 terminals, with a fleet of 35 vessels. In April 2003, BC Ferries was transformed from a Crown corporation into an independent, commercial organization under the Company Act. Our Company is governed by an independent Board of Directors appointed by the B.C. Ferry Authority.