• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
BC Ferries welcomed its new Island Class vessel, the Island sarlequun, in a naming ceremony recognizing the name donated by the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The ceremony took place after a long journey from Galati, Romania, to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and marks an important step in preparing the vessel to serve the communities of Nanaimo Harbour and Gabriola Island.
Donated by the Snuneymuxw First Nation, in the Hul'q'umi'num language, sarlequun means "People of Nanaimo Harbour." The naming honors the Nation's ancient connection to the lands and waters where the ship will operate and reflects the importance of the 1854 Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty, a legally recognized agreement that affirms the Nation's inherent rights, self-determination, and enduring relationship with these lands and waters.
"We are honored to see the name sarlequun on this vessel as it sails through the heart of our territories," said Chief Mike Wyse, Xum'silum, of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
"We appreciate BC Ferries' commitment to building a relationship based on respect, recognition, and meaningful actions. We support this launch based on a clear understanding of the rights enshrined in our 1854 Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty. On behalf of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, we extend our best wishes for safe travel to all those who journey through sacred waters aboard the sarlequun," added the spiritual leader.
The vessel is the second of four new Island Class electric hybrid vessels expected to enter service over the next year. Once in service, the Island sarlequun will operate alongside its twin vessel, the Island xwsaluxul, on the Nanaimo Harbour-Gabriola Island route, helping to meet growing demand on one of BC Ferries' busiest inter-island routes.
"This vessel has traveled a long way to reach British Columbia, and a new chapter begins here. We thank the Snuneymuxw First Nation for bestowing the name Sarlequun upon us. This name connects this vessel to the people and place it is expected to serve, and we recognize the importance of carrying it with respect," noted Nicolas Jimenez, President and CEO of BC Ferries.
The arrival of the Island sarlequun is another milestone in BC Ferries' long-term fleet renewal program, designed to help improve reliability and increase capacity for customers, while also creating a more standardized fleet that seeks to provide greater operational flexibility and more efficient maintenance and crew training practices.
It is one of four Island Class electric hybrid vessels designed with the ability to operate on electric power once the required onshore charging infrastructure is implemented, supporting the ferry company's work towards lower-emission operations. Work to electrify the route has already begun and is expected to be operational by 2027.
"Every new vessel entering service strengthens our ability to provide safe and reliable service for the coastal communities that depend on BC Ferries. Island sarlequun reflects the progress we are making to renew our fleet with modern vessels that improve reliability today while also supporting the future electrification of our system," stated Ed Hooper, Head of Fleet Renewal at BC Ferries.
After final preparations and crew training, Island sarlequun is expected to enter service on the Nanaimo Harbour-Gabriola Island route in August, replacing Island Gwawis which, as planned, will return to operate on the Crofton-Vesuvius Bay route in early 2027. This will be one of two vessels planned to increase capacity and help manage traffic volume at the terminals.
