BC Ferries launches latest addition

The Vancouver-based BC Ferries has named and launched the newest addition to its fleet at a ceremony at Allied Shipbuilders in North Vancouver. The ?Kuper? is a $7 million, 32-vehicle ferry which will enter service on the Chemainus – Thetis Island – Kuper Island route early next year following training, certification and sea trials.

The hull of the new vessel is composed of the original hull structure from the ?John Atlantic Burr? which BC Ferries purchased last year from the State of Utah Transportation Department. That vessel was cut into sections and trucked to Tacoma, Washington, where it was then shipped by barge up to Allied Shipbuilders.

During the construction, a new 3.40 metre wide longitudinal section was inserted into the hull to provide an additional lane on the car deck. Passenger and crew spaces were totally rebuilt, including washroom facilities for customers with disabilities; and new lifesaving equipment, including two evacuation slides and a rescue boat. The wheelhouse, navigational equipment, piping and electrical system are entirely new and the vessel will be powered by two Detroit Diesel Allison engines driving two right angle drive propulsion units.

The ?Kuper? will be the fourth and largest of BC Ferries’ K-class ships, joining the Kahloke, Klitsa and Kwuna in the fleet. In keeping with its fleet management planning, BC Ferries is designing ships for inter-operability around the system. In the future, the ?Kuper? will also serve as a relief vessel on various gulf island routes.