Summary

• Island xwsaĺux̌ul is the first of four new Island Class vessels arriving as part of BC Ferries’ ongoing fleet renewal program. The vessel name was gifted by Snuneymuxw First Nation.
• This new vessel is expected to enter service this summer between Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour) and Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay), replacing one of the existing Island Class vessels currently operating on the route.
• As additional Island Class vessels enter service, BC Ferries is planning for existing vessels to be redeployed across the ferry system with the goal of improving reliability, capacity and operational flexibility on various inter-island routes.

VICTORIA, BC — BC Ferries is celebrating the arrival of Island xwsaĺux̌ul, the first of four new Island Class vessels entering service as part of the company’s ongoing fleet renewal program. Built at Damen Shipyards in Romania, the vessel recently arrived in British Columbia and is scheduled to now undergo final testing and crew training before entering service.

Island xwsaĺux̌ul (pronounced xwus-saw-la-kwahl) is expected to enter service this summer between Nanaimo Harbour and Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay), dependent on successful sea trials and regulatory approval. BC Ferries plans for Island xwsaĺux̌ul to replace Island Kwigwis on the route.

“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 Nicolas Jimenez, President & CEO of BC Ferries. “We are deeply honoured that Snuneymuxw First Nation has gifted the name xwsaĺux̌ul to this vessel. Receiving a hul’q’umi’num’ name is both a privilege and a profound responsibility. It reflects the trust and relationship we continue to build together with Snuneymuxw, and our commitment to advancing reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous communities. For this we are truly grateful.”

“Island xwsaĺux̌ul is the first of four new Island Class vessels expected to arrive over the coming year,” added Jimenez. “These all-electric vessels are designed to help strengthen reliability, increase capacity, reduce emissions, and provide greater flexibility across the inter-island system, while better supporting the coastal communities that depend on these routes every day.”

The name xwsaĺux̌ul, meaning “the grassy place,” was gifted by the Snuneymuxw First Nation in the hul’q’umi’num’ language and carries deep cultural and historical significance. These sacred grounds are connected to Snuneymuxw origin stories and hold an enduring relationship to the Nation’s lands, waters, and identity. The Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty of 1854 was signed at xwsaĺux̌ul, further anchoring its importance within Snuneymuxw history.

“We are honoured to see the name xwsaĺux̌ul carried by this vessel as it travels through the heart of our territories,” said Chief Mike Wyse, Xum'silum, Snuneymuxw First Nation. “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. On behalf of Snuneymuxw First Nation, we extend our well wishes for safe passage to all those who journey across sacred waters aboard xwsaĺux̌ul.”

Alongside the significance of its gifted name, this new Island Class vessel also represents an important step in modernizing BC Ferries’ inter-island fleet. The vessel is designed to be battery-equipped, diesel-hybrid, and capable of operating exclusively on renewable electric power once shore-based charging infrastructure is available. This positions the vessel for future electric operation, with the goal of supporting a cleaner and quieter ferry system with reduced emissions and underwater radiated noise.

“These vessels were designed specifically for the unique needs of BC’s coastal communities and inter-island routes,” said Ed Hooper, Head of Fleet Renewal at BC Ferries. “They’re battery-equipped for future electric operation, but, just as importantly, they are designed to allow us to operate a more flexible and resilient fleet as demand for ferry service is expected to continue to grow. I’d like to acknowledge Damen Shipyards Galati for their shipbuilding expertise.”

Once the final four Island Class vessels enter service, the Island Class fleet will become BC Ferries’ largest vessel class, with 10 ships in operation. This vessel class is designed to allow for greater standardization, enabling more efficient training, reduced complexity and improved flexibility if unforeseen service disruptions occur.

Across the routes they serve, the Island Class vessels are designed to collectively deliver a 71% increase in vehicle capacity and a 135% increase in passenger capacity, compared to the vessels being replaced. That translates into space for nearly 200 additional vehicles and over 2,000 additional passengers each day, improving access for people commuting for work, visiting family, and accessing essential services.

The benefits of these new vessels are anticipated to extend beyond the communities they directly serve. As the new ships enter service, BC Ferries plans to redeploy existing vessels across the system, with the goal of enhancing service reliability and capacity on multiple routes:

• Island xwsaĺux̌ul is expected to replace Island Kwigwis, which is planned to be temporarily redeployed to Route 23 between Campbell River – Quadra in summer 2026 and then become a refit relief vessel once all four new Island Class vessels are in service.
• As currently planned, this allows Island Nagalis to transition to Route 24 between Quadra – Cortes Island in summer 2026, replacing the retiring Tachek and increasing vehicle capacity from 26 to 47 and space for passengers and crew from 150 to 399.
• In 2027, two-ship service is planned to be introduced between Crofton – Vesuvius Bay, replacing the Quinsam with the goal of allowing BC Ferries to increase daily round trips and boost vehicle capacity on this route.

The arrival of Island xwsaĺux̌ul marks another important step in BC Ferries’ long-term fleet renewal program, with the aim of helping improve reliability, capacity and service resilience for the coastal communities that depend on the ferry system every day.

Visit the BC Ferries website to learn more about fleet renewal and the Island Class program.