BC Ferries released a video of its new e-ferries being unloaded at  the Breakwater District at Ogden Point, Victoria, on January 18, 2020. The transport ship that carried them from Europe partially submerged, so the two Island Class ships could float off. Tugboats guided them through the Inner Harbour and under the Johnston Street Bridge to Point Hope Maritime.

This is where the final inspection is to take place. After it is complete, BC Ferries will take ownership of both vessels. They will be christened and crews selected. The next phase is training the crews, so that they are familiar with every aspect of their ships.

BC Ferries Communications Manager Tessa Humphries compared these vessels to a Prius. They are currently hybrid vessels, whose primary power source is currently diesel, but when the shore charging infrastructure is available they will become fully electric. 

These first two ferries will go into service on the Powell River – Texada Island and Port McNeill – Alert Bay – Sointula routes by mid-2020. 

The next two e-ferries to arrive should take over the Campbell River – Quadra Island run sometime during the Spring of 2022. 

Top photo credit: Jan. 18, 2020 – The two Island Class ferries on board the Sun Rise transport ship after arriving at the Breakwater District at
Ogden Point – BC Ferries