![BC Ferries' Island Kwigwis departing Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania for its delivery voyage to Canada (Photo: BC Ferries)](http://media.assettype.com/bairdmaritime%2Fimport%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F210806-5-BC-Ferries.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Canada's BC Ferries christened its newest Ro-Pax ferry in a ceremony in Richmond, British Columbia, on Tuesday, December 14.
Island Kwigwis will enter service in the spring of 2022, allowing for two-ship operation on the Nanaimo Harbour–Gabriola Island route.
The newbuild is BC Ferries' fifth Island-class Ro-Pax. It is a battery hybrid vessel that can carry up to 47 vehicles and 450 passengers and crew.
The ferry will initially sail on hybrid mode upon entering service. It will conduct full-electric sailings following the incorporation of shore charging facilities along its route.
Island Kwigwis was built by Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania.