At the Western Pacific Marine shipyard, the vessel is being built and will serve the Balfour-Kootenay Bay route across Kootenay Lake when delivered. The order was imposed with Wärtsilä in January 2021.

The operator will benefit from decreased fuel consumption and a much lower level of exhaust emissions by opting for Wärtsilä's Hybrid Solution rather than a traditional propulsion arrangement.

For preserving the pristine environment in which the vessel will operate, the minimized carbon footprint was cited as being extremely important. An additional advantage is that maintenance requirements and costs are also reduced by reducing the engines' running hours.

Two Wärtsilä 20 generator sets with selective catalytic reduction systems, the Wärtsilä Hybrid Solution with DC electrical system and batteries, the energy management system and the vessel alarm and monitoring system comprise the full scope of the Wärtsilä supply.

The sewage treatment system will also be supplied by Wärtsilä and will be responsible for the integration of the different onboard systems.

250 passengers and crew will be able to carry the 89-meter long double-ended ferry, as well as 61 automotive equivalents (AEQs). Two ferries powered by Wärtsilä 20 engines are already run by the British Columbian government.

Maritime Business World