BC Ferries' fifth battery hybrid-electric vessel launched Another of BC Ferries’ Island Class ferries has launched, entering the water last Thursday at DAMEN Shipyards Galati in Romania. The yet-to-be named ship is the fifth in a series of six Island Class vessels joining the BC Ferries fleet. When in operation, it will be one of two Island Class vessels assigned to the Nanaimo Harbour – Gabriola Island route, BC Ferries says in a press release. Work will continue on the new ship until scheduled sea trials in June. Following successful sea trials, the vessel will be delivered to Point Hope Maritime in Victoria in late 2021 for final preparations. Two-ship service is scheduled to begin on the Nanaimo Harbour – Gabriola Island route by early 2022, replacing the Quinsam.