BC Ferries prepares for the arrival of Northern Sea Wolf

BC Ferries is preparing for the arrival of Northern Sea Wolf, its newly acquired passenger ferry which will serve the new route between Port Hardy and Bella Coola in British Columbia, Canada.

Built in 2000, the vessel was acquired from Greece by BC Ferries and departed from the port of Piraeus in Athens, Greece on 3 November. The ferry will take around 35 days to arrive in British Columbia after a 10,097 nautical mile journey via the Canary Islands, Antigua, Panama, Manzanillo and Mexico for refuelling.

Northern Sea Wolf was named during a community engagement process and will accommodate a minimum of 35 vehicles and 150 passengers and crew. Prior to starting service, the ferry will undergo a mid-life upgrade at a local British Columbia shipyard, which will be chosen later this year. The yard will complete various updates to shipboard systems, crew living and working spaces and modernise the passenger accommodation and food services.

From summer 2018, Northern Sea Wolf will offer sailings from Port Hardy and Bella Coola five days per week during peak season.

“We are excited about the new ship joining our fleet, and look forward to its arrival in British Columbia waters,” said Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ vice president of Strategy and 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 British Columbia to ensure the new ship is ready in all respects for summer service in 2018.”