Monday, 10 am-We have just received the news that BC Ferries has finalized a deal to buy a used ferry, the Sonia, which chief executive David Hahn expects will start serving the northern routes by April.
Mr. Hahn told community leaders that it took longer than expected to make the deal, but he wanted to be careful that all details were in place.
The Sonia can carry 101 vehicles and 600 passengers. It has 70 cabins, compared to the Queen of the North's 55, and travels at close to 20 knots.
The Sonia will serve both northern routes - Skidegate-Rupert and Rupert-Port Hardy - for a month or so while the Queen of Prince Rupert undergoes a refit this spring. Once the summer schedule begins in mid-May, the Charlottes will be served by the QPR and the Sonia will cover the longer Rupert-Hardy route.