The latest addition to the BC Ferries’ fleet, bought for the revived Port Hardy to Bella Coola route, will undergo a major upgrade at Esquimalt Drydock.
BC Ferries made the announcement on Thursday.
The Esquimalt-based company won two contracts following a competitive bidding process.
The first is a $2 million docking contract for underwater components.
BC Ferries will also award approximately $18 million more to the company and other local contractors and suppliers for interior and safety upgrades.
The Northern Sea Wolf, previously named Aqua Spirit, was built in 2000 and is able to accommodate a minimum of 35 vehicles and 150 passengers and crew.
She set sail last month from Athens, Greece, where she was purchased after last being used on an inter- Cyclades route for Sea Jets , and is expected to complete a 10,097 nautical journey to B.C. this week.
The upgrades will include dry docking, interior and exterior painting, overhauling the propulsion engines and gearboxes, installing new electrical generators, upgrading the switchboards, installing new navigational equipment, and upgrading shipboard safety equipment and systems.
BC Ferries will also update crew and passenger areas and amenities by adding a full galley, a dedicated dining area, a newly configured seating lounge and outdoor viewing areas on the upper outer decks.
The Northern Sea Wolf is expected to enter into service in the Summer of 2018 and sailings will depart from Port Hardy and Bella Coola five days per week during peak season.
Ben O'Hara
