MV Quinsam, is the ferry that currently serves the Crofton to Vesuvius Route to Salt Spring Island.
The MV Quinsam is a single-vessel Q-class automobile ferry operated by BC Ferries.
Key Specifications (from BC Ferries and other sources)
- Built: 1982 by Vancouver Shipyards (North Vancouver, BC) for the BC Ministry of Transportation and Highways.
- Length: 89.84 m (overall) / ~86.85 m. bcferries.com
- Displacement: 1,431 tonnes (maximum). bcferries.com
- Tonnage: ~1,458–1,459 GT. en.wikipedia.org
- Beam: 21.24 m. en.wikipedia.org
- Car capacity: 63 vehicles (some sources note up to ~70). bcferries.com
- Passenger & crew capacity: 400. bcferries.com
- Crew: Typically 7. en.wikipedia.org
- Speed: 10–12 knots (maximum). bcferries.com
- Power: 2,601 hp (1,940 kW). bcferries.com
It is a single-vehicle-deck design suited for short commuter runs, with small passenger lounges on either side of the car deck, washrooms, and vending machines. Amenities are relatively basic.
History and Service
- Originally operated by the Ministry of Transportation and Highways on the Nanaimo Harbour–Gabriola Island route starting in 1982. It was transferred to BC Ferries in 1985 along with other saltwater ferries.
- It provided service on the Nanaimo–Gabriola Island route for many years (replacing the smaller MV Quinitsa).
- In 2010/2011, it underwent a major $16 million mid-life refit, including new engines/generators, a rebuilt pilothouse and passenger areas, and steelwork.
- Since April 2022, it has been assigned to Route 6: Crofton & Vesuvius Bay.
It is scheduled for replacement around 2027 by newer diesel-hybrid Island Class vessels, which will enable a two-ship service with increased frequency and capacity.
Accessibility and Safety
The ferry has accessible car deck lounges and washrooms. Wheelchair users should inform ticket agents for priority parking near accessible areas. Standard BC Ferries safety features are in place (life rafts, rescue boat, fire suppression, etc.), and it meets Canadian stability standards.
It’s only a short ride, about 20 minutes to get to Vesuvius and the same for the return trip.