First of four new BC Ferries ships arrives on coast

Island xwsaĺux̌ul (pronounced xwus-saw-la-kwahl) is expected to enter service this summer between Nanaimo Harbour and Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)

A new vessel is beginning its journey into service on B.C.’s coast as the first of four ships under BC Ferries’ fleet renewal program arrives in the province, aimed at modernizing inter-island service.

The addition is part of a broader effort to expand the Island Class fleet and increase capacity across inter-island routes as new vessels are introduced into service.

Built at Damen Shipyards in Romania, the vessel is now in B.C. waters and will undergo final sea trials and crew training ahead of entering service this summer.

The ship, named Island xwsaĺux̌ul (pronounced xwus-saw-la-kwahl), was gifted by the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The name means “the grassy place” in hul’q’umi’num’.

“We are honoured to see the name xwsaĺux̌ul carried by this vessel as it travels through the heart of our territories. We appreciate BC Ferries’ commitment to building a relationship grounded in respect, recognition, and meaningful action. We support this launch based on a clear understanding of the rights enshrined in our Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty of 1854,” said Chief Mike Wyse, Xum’silum of Snuneymuxw First Nation in a statement.

Once in service, the vessel is expected to operate between Nanaimo Harbour and Gabriola Island’s Descanso Bay, replacing Island Kwigwis.

BC Ferries says the Island Class vessels are battery-equipped diesel hybrids designed to operate on electric power once shore charging infrastructure is in place. The design is intended to reduce emissions, lower underwater radiated noise and support growing demand across coastal routes.

“This is about far more than introducing a new vessel. It’s about strengthening relationships, supporting the inter-island connections coastal communities rely on every day, and continuing the work of reconciliation through meaningful action,” said BC Ferries president and CEO Nicolas Jimenez.

As additional Island Class vessels enter service, BC Ferries plans to redeploy existing ships across the system to support service on other routes.

The Island Class fleet will expand to 10 vessels once all four new ships are delivered.