June 16/08

New ship to enter service in spring 2009 

BC Ferries’ major ship construction program marked another major milestone  today with the official keel-laying of the new 150 metre Northern Expedition at FSG Shipyards in Flensburg, Germany. 

The new Northern Expedition, which will replace the 42-year old Queen of Prince Rupert, will accommodate 130 vehicles and 600 passengers.  Among its many features, the vessel will offer 55 modern staterooms for passengers and an expanded range of food services and other amenities that will appeal to local residents and tourists alike. 

“This is an important day in the construction of this northern cruise-ferry,” said Captain Trafford Taylor, BC Ferries’ EVP of New Vessel Construction.  “We expect another excellent ship to be delivered to BC Ferries, which will serve our north coast customers for decades to come.”  

Northern Expedition, along with the MV Northern Adventure, which joined BC Ferries’ fleet last year, will bring a whole new level of service to customers travelling on BC Ferries’ northern routes.  The new ships are outfitted with the most modern of passenger amenities and will make visiting the spectacular north coast region of British Columbia an even greater experience 

than ever before.      

Northern Expedition will sail from Germany to British Columbia early in 2009 and will begin operating between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert on the Inside Passage route in time for the 2009 tourist season.   

Media Contact: 

BC Ferries, Media Relations 

Victoria:  (250) 978-1267 

Customer Contact: 

Victoria: (250) 386-3431  

Toll-free:  1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779)