Travellers crossing Upper Arrow Lake are one step closer to having a new ferry, following the launch of the hull for a new vessel in Nakusp on Sunday. The launch represents a significant milestone in the project.

Construction of the vessel is on time and on budget. It is scheduled to be put into service between Galena Bay and Shelter Bay in May 2014.

With the hull now in the water, WaterBridge Steel in Nakusp will build the superstructure and install the vessel's equipment and systems. The ferry is expected to be ready for speed and endurance trials and manoeuvring tests by February 2014. The final step will be Transport Canada certification next spring.

Aside from improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, the new Upper Arrow Lake ferry incorporates enhanced maintenance technology that will result in a high level of reliability. The vessel is designed to enable underwater visual inspections, eliminating the requirement to lift the vessel out of the water every five years for an inspection. The vessel's equipment and systems will be fully serviced from the car deck or inside the vessel.

The new drive-on, drive-off ferry will replace two 40-year-old vessels and with a capacity to transport 80 vehicles and 250 passengers. The vessel will have wider lanes and improved ramp transitions for faster loading and unloading. The sailing time is 20 minutes.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -

"This is an important milestone for the new Upper Arrow Lake ferry. Aside from providing safe and reliable transportation to travellers in the area, this project is providing good jobs for skilled trades people right here in British Columbia."

WaterBridge Steel president and CEO John Harding -

"WaterBridge is proud of the fact that the new Upper Arrow Lake ferry will incorporate the most efficient, state-of-the-art engines and propulsion equipment. We are, however, most proud of the abilities demonstrated by our supervisors and crews who have been drawn from across B.C. to the community of Nakusp to successfully construct the largest inland ferry ever built in B.C."

Learn more:

For a video of the launch of the new inland ferry's hull, visit: http://www.sendtonews.com?SK=6LEYx0WA67

For information on Inland Ferries, visit: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/marine/Inland_Ferries_Maps.pdf

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

BACKGROUNDER

Upper Arrow Lake ferry

Contract value: $26.5 million

Design-builder: John Harding, WaterBridge Steel Inc. of Prince George

Jobs created: Up to 80 jobs

Ferry usage: 225,003 vehicles and 292,892 passengers were ferried between Galena Bay and Shelter Bay in 2012.

Ferry specifications: Nominal Capacity: 80 vehicles, 250 passengers

Speed: 10 to 11 knots

Dimensions: 97.5 metres length, 19.5 metres breadth, 5.5 metres depth

Milestones:

Contract award: June 2012

Keel laid: September 2012

Launch (hull): July 28, 2013

Sea trials: February 2014

Vessel in service: May 2014

Key activities from August 2013 to December 2013 inclusive:

• Fabricate and install superstructure on top of vessel's hull.

• Install and commission machinery equipment (diesel engines/propulsion/generators).

• Complete installation and commission electrical/auxiliary/outfitting equipment.

Key activities from January 2014 to May 2014 inclusive:

• Complete vessel's painting.

• Dock trials and lightship survey.

• Sea trials.

• Vessel delivery.

• Crew training.

• Transport Canada certification.

Media Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241