BC Ferries’ new, hybrid ferry docked at its Richmond facility on Wednesday, following a close to two-month cruise from Poland. The Salish Orca, which can carry 145 vehicles and 600 passengers, runs on both natural gas and diesel fuels. After the vessel is inspected, it will move to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal for crew training. It is scheduled to be in operation by early spring on the Powell River-Comox route, said BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall. The Salish Orca is the first of three ferries set to join the fleet this year. Combined, they will account for an estimated reduction of 9,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. This is equivalent to taking around 1,900 vehicles off the road, the corporation said.
