BC Ferries has added two Island Class vessels to the Nanaimo–Gabriola Island route, bringing new hybrid propulsion technology into service while also highlighting an ongoing effort to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities.
The vessels, Island xwsaĺux̌ul and Island sarlequun, are operating between Nanaimo Harbour and Descanso Bay on Gabriola Island under a two-vessel service model. Their names were gifted by Snuneymuxw First Nation and reflect the Nation’s historical and continuing connection to the area.
For BC Ferries, the deployment is part of a larger fleet-renewal strategy intended to replace aging vessels, improve operational flexibility, and introduce technologies that can support the transition toward lower-emission ferry operations.
The name xwsaĺux̌ul, translated as “the grassy place,” has particular significance to Snuneymuxw First Nation and is connected to the location associated with the signing of the Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty of 1854. Sarlequun, meaning “People at Nanaimo Harbour,” reflects the Nation’s enduring connection to Nanaimo Harbour and surrounding waters.
“Seeing Island xwsaĺux̌ul and Island sarlequun now in service is an important moment,” says Nicolas Jimenez, President and CEO of BC Ferries. “We are grateful to Snuneymuxw First Nation for gifting these names and for the opportunity to carry them on vessels operating in these waters. We recognize the significance the names hold for the Nation and the importance of carrying them with respect, as we continue working to provide reliable and more sustainable connections for coastal communities.”
Chief Mike Wyse, Xum’silum, of Snuneymuxw First Nation, said the vessels’ names acknowledge the territory through which they operate.
“We are honoured to see the name xwsaĺux̌ul and sarlequun carried by these vessels as they travel through the heart of our territory,” says Chief Wyse. “We appreciate BC Ferries’ commitment to building a relationship grounded in respect, recognition, and meaningful action. We support this initiative based on a clear understanding of the rights enshrined in our Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty of 1854. On behalf of Snuneymuxw First Nation, we extend our well wishes for safe passage to all those who journey across sacred waters aboard xwsaĺux̌ul and sarlequun.”
Beyond their role on the Nanaimo–Gabriola route, the vessels illustrate the operational advantages BC Ferries expects from its Island Class program. The ferries are battery-equipped diesel hybrids, with a design that allows them to transition to full electric operation when appropriate shore-based charging infrastructure is available.
That capability is significant as ferry operators across the industry examine ways to reduce fuel consumption and emissions without compromising service reliability. For BC Ferries, the fleet strategy also provides an opportunity to redistribute existing vessels as new ships enter service.
One example is Island Gwawis, which has been replaced by sarlequun on the Nanaimo–Gabriola route. BC Ferries plans to redeploy Gwawis to the Crofton–Vesuvius Bay route in early 2027, where it is expected to operate as part of a two-vessel service. The additional vessel is intended to increase capacity and provide greater flexibility in managing traffic at the terminals.
The changes demonstrate how fleet renewal can have effects well beyond the routes directly receiving new vessels. Rather than simply adding capacity, new ships can allow operators to reorganize existing fleets and direct vessels toward routes where additional capacity or resilience is required.
For BC Ferries, the introduction of xwsaĺux̌ul and sarlequun represents several strands of its current strategy: modernizing its fleet, preparing for greater electrification, improving network flexibility, and strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities.
As more Island Class vessels enter service, the resulting redeployment of existing ships will be an important factor in determining how the broader ferry network evolves over the coming years.
