BC Ferries' newest LNG-fueled Ro-Pax vessel is now on its way to British Columbia after having departed Gdansk, Poland, on Wednesday, December 22.
Salish Heron is the fourth Salish-class vessel to join BC Ferries' fleet. It will commence operational sailings in 2022.
BC Ferries said it will take approximately 55 days for Salish Heron to make the transoceanic voyage, depending on weather. The ship will sail approximately 10,440 nautical miles across the Atlantic, through the Panama Canal and up the Pacific Coast of North America arriving at Victoria's Ogden Point for inspection in February.
The ferry will then move to BC Ferries' Fleet Maintenance Unit in Richmond for final preparations, including the application of the exterior artwork designed by Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr.
Salish Heron is identical to the three Salish-class ferries that entered service in 2017. Like its sisters, it can carry up to 138 vehicles and 600 passengers and crew.