BC Ferries has found a possible replacement for the Queen of the North and is hoping to make a deal with the vessel's owner in the next month, says vice-president of communications Mark Stefanson.
The vessel is less than five years old, travels at up to 20 knots, carries 600 passengers, has staterooms and is slightly smaller than the QN. Mr. Stefanson did not want to say where it is located.
"We haven't finalized a deal yet," he cautioned. "We hope to make an offer and see if we can conclude a deal."
If all goes well, the new vessel could be sailing on the northern routes by next summer, he said.
If that deal doesn't work out, the search team has found a second possible replacement vessel, he added.
BC Ferries shared the news of the possible replacement on a conference call with community leaders last week.