British Columbia Ferry Services’ (BC Ferries) cable ferry, the Baynes Sound Connector, has reached Vancouver Island after leaving Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards.

The 78.5m-long vessel will be capable of cruising at a maximum speed of 8.5k, while its normal service speed is 7.5k. The vessel will be operating with one drive cable and two guide cables.

BC Ferries Engineering vice-president Mark Wilson said: "This is major milestone for the cable ferry project as we get another step closer to introducing our newest vessel, the Baynes Sound Connector, into service on the Buckley Bay-Denman Island route."

"This is major milestone for the cable ferry project as we get another step closer to introducing our newest vessel, the Baynes Sound Connector, into service on the Buckley Bay-Denman Island route."

The vessel will be connected to the three cables that have already been laid, BC Ferries stated.

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Following this new development, crews will undergo training and familiarisation on the cable ferry prior to the passenger and vehicle service operations.

Baynes Sound Connector is expected to enter service this autumn after receiving certification from Transport Canada and classification society Lloyd’s Register.

Seaspan Shipyardsm president Brian Carter said: "Seaspan is proud of its long-standing relationship with BC Ferries to build and repair ships for the people of British Columbia.

"Vancouver Shipyards was honoured to construct BC Ferries’ first ever cable ferry and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership with them on future vessels."

The new ferry is estimated to offer BC Ferries with cost savings of more than $80m over the 40-year life of the project when compared to the current service.