VIFC’s new quick ferries will quickly be delivered by Damen’s Vietnam shipyard
Start-up Canadian operator Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC) has made plenty of progress since final November when it first made public its plans to launch a foot-ferry service linking Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, with downtown Vancouver, B.C. This week it held a groundbreaking ceremony at its Nanaimo terminal web site and reported that its two new 354-passenger high-speed vessels are at the moment present process remaining assessments and sea trials at Damen Shipyards’ Vietnam shipyard and shall be on their method to Vancouver Island subsequent month.
VIFC is branding the service “Hullo by the Vancouver Island Ferry Company.” (“Hullo” is one other means of spelling “hello” that’s in all probability nonetheless the popular kind in B.C., because it was as soon as within the U.Okay.).
The groundbreaking occasion marked the start of building and web site reconfiguration, which incorporates over 400 parking locations, EV charging stations, linked journey choices, a visitor welcome heart, and correct visitors and transit circulation optimizations.
“The vessels are built and going through rigorous sea trials and the terminal areas are in the process of being upgraded to welcome our guests. Hullo is in ship-shape and almost ready to serve its communities,” mentioned Alastair Caddick, CEO of VIFC. “We have assembled a passionate and experienced team, recruiting impeccable individuals who will offer BC travelers an enjoyable, reliable, and efficient travel experience to and from the mainland. After carefully listening to the needs and expectations of British Columbians, we are thrilled to provide a service that strengthens connections between friends and family on both sides of the Georgia Strait.”
The VIFC crew contains director of operations Captain Wendy Williams, who’s the primary Canadian girl to captain a cruise ship for a number one model (Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady) and was named one in every of Marine Log‘s Top Women in Maritime 2022.
“Our highly skilled operations team is dedicated to providing a seamless travel experience that is reliable, modern, and friendly,” mentioned Williams. “We take pride in trying to set a new standard for ferry travel in British Columbia and our growing team remains relentlessly committed to creating a safe, efficient, and reliable service for our communities.”
Hullo will supply a every day crossing schedule beginning with as much as seven roundtrip sailings. Passengers will be capable to reserve seats in three service tiers – consolation, premium, and enterprise and complimentary wi-fi shall be accessible for all visitors touring Hullo with a contemporary choice of treats accessible on board.
