BC Ferries’ Northern Sea Wolf, the vessel acquired for the new route from Port Hardy — Bella Coola, and named through a community engagement process, is on its way to British Columbia. The vessel departed from the port of Piraeus in Athens, Greece, on Nov. 3 for the 10,097 nautical mile journey to its new home in British Columbia.
The Transatlantic voyage will take approximately 35 days, depending on weather, fuel stops and canal transit. Refuelling stops include the Canary Islands, Antigua, Panama and after transiting the Panama Canal, Manzanillo, Mexico. From Manzanillo, the ship will continue to sail up the west coast of North America to British Columbia.
“We are excited about the new ship joining our fleet, and look forward to its arrival in B.C. waters,” said Mark Wilson, BC Ferries vice president of strategy & community engagement. “We have undertaken some preliminary work including dry docking and maintenance on the Northern Sea Wolf in Greece to ensure a safe and reliable voyage to British Columbia. We will complete the main mid-life upgrade, including renewal of passenger and crew areas, here in B.C. to ensure the new ship is ready in all respects for summer service in 2018.”
BC Ferries acquired the vessel from Greece to support the Province’s commitment to the new route last year. The Northern Sea Wolf was built in 2000 and will accommodate a minimum of 35 vehicles and 150 passengers and crew. The vessel’s mid-life upgrade is planned to take place at a local shipyard in B.C., with a contract for this work to be awarded later this fall. The vessel will undergo various upgrades to shipboard systems, crew living and working spaces and a complete passenger accommodation and food services modernization.
Sailings will depart from Port Hardy and Bella Coola five days per week during peak season. Fares for this route will be consistent with the fares on the existing indirect service.
