B.C.’s newest ferry, the Northern Sea Wolf, will undergo major upgrades before going into service next year.
B.C. Ferries has awarded two contracts to the Esquimalt Drydock totalling $20 million for the work.
The first contract worth $2 million will go towards underwater components and the remaining $18 million will be used for interior and safety upgrades.
“Esquimalt Drydock is pleased and proud to be awarded the contract to refit the Northern Sea Wolf for BC Ferries,” said Joe Sansalone, General Manager of Esquimalt Drydock Company. “This project will take approximately four months to complete with a peak workforce of 100 personnel of all trades.”
The refit will include interior and exterior painting, installing new generators and updating crew and passenger areas. The work will begin later this month and will be completed by April 2018.
“This major upgrade will provide significant enhancements to the customer amenities and the vessel will undoubtedly be a very welcome addition to our fleet as it travels from northern Vancouver Island to the mid-coast starting next summer,” said Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Strategy and Community Engagement.
The Northern Sea Wolf will work the route between Port Hardy and Bella Coola. It can accommodate 35 vehicles and 150 passengers and crew.
The vessel is expected to reach B.C. waters this week after a long journey from Athens, Greece.
