Canadian BC Ferries informed that Salish Eagle, will officially commence service on June 21, on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route. The ship is the second of three new Salish Class vessels that are dual-fuel and capable of operating on either natural gas or ultra-low sulphur marine diesel.
The use of natural gas for these vessels is expected to result in the reduction of an estimated 9,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, the same as taking approximately 1,900 passenger vehicles off the road annually, according to the company.
The vessel, which accommodates approximately 145 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew, is equipped with two marine evacuation systems with life rafts, smoke and natural gas detection alarms, and state-of-the-art fire suppression systems. The vessel measures 107 metres in length overall and has a service speed of 15.5 knots.
“This vessel will provide our customers safe and reliable service for years to come, and we look forward to its additional environmental and costsaving benefits as well”, said Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ President and CEO.
Salish Eagle and her sister ships Salish Orca and Salish Raven were named to honour the Coast Salish people as the original mariners of the Salish Sea. Each vessel features the artwork of a different First Nations artist. Salish Orca, the first ship in the series, was introduced in mid-May.
