First steel cutting and keel laying for the first of Canadian ferry trio
First steel cutting for the construction of modern, car-passenger ferry ordered by Canadian Owner – the largest ferry operator in North America and the second largest in the world – commenced in official ceremony at Remontowa Shipbuilding, member of REMONTOWA Holding capital group, on 16th of January 2015. The ceremony was attended by numerous representatives of BC Ferries from Canada.
The above was followed by the symbolic “keel laying” and “lucky coin” on March 5, 2015. The beautiful Canadian Silver Dollar coin was welded into place in the hull for its service life by vice president, engineering, BC Ferries – Mr. Mark Wilson. The coin is commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Maple Leaf as the official flag of Canada. The ceremony has been attended by representatives of the Owners, BC Ferries, headed by President and CEO – Mr. Mike Corrigan.
The contract for three vessels, signed at the end of 2014, is being executed as a result of completion of an extensive competitive bidding process to build three new intermediate class vessels. In the race to obtain the contract the Gdansk based yard of REMONTOWA Holding has beaten rivals from Norway, Germany, Canada and Turkey.
Contract includes not only design, construction, outfitting and carrying out of complete trial program but also delivery of the vessels to the home port as well. The first vessel is to be completed in the third quarter of 2016.
Each of the vessels will be capable of taking 150 personal cars and 600 passengers on board. The vessels were designed from scratch by the naval architecture and marine engineering consultancy Remontowa Marine Design & Consulting (RMDC), member of REMONTOWA Holding. The ships will comply with rules and regulations of both the classification society i.e. Lloyd’s Register, who will supervise the building process, and the government agenda i.e. Transport Canada.
The two first vessels are to sail between Comox and Powel River of Tsawwassens – Southern Gulf Islands route while the third will sail during season on Southern Gulf Island route or will replace other vessels operated by BC ferries during their repair.
