Canadian Victoria Shipyards has won a $9 million contract to refit a used ship from Europe that will replace the sunken B.C. Ferry "Queen of the North."B.C. Ferries bought the ship, currently named the "M.V. Sonia," for $50 million.The vessel is in drydock in Greece being repainted and will leave for B.C. on November 15th.Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall says the ferry needs improved safety equipment, modifications to its stern ramp to fit existing docking facilities, and upgrades to its electrical, heating and lighting systems.Passenger areas are also going to get some improvements.Marshall says a new name for the ship will likely be announced before the end of the year and the ferry is expected to be in service on the northern route next April.
Utilizing the Esquimalt Graving Dock, owned and operated by Public Works and Government Services of Canada, Victoria Shipyards can drydock and repair vessels up to 100,000 DWT. Victoria Shipyards can perform a wide range of repairs up to and including complete vessel conversions.