The MV Quinsam is an automobile ferry operated by BC Ferries. It was built in 1982 by Vancouver Shipyards in Vancouver, British Columbia. The ferry was originally part of the Ministry of Transportation and Highways' (MoT) saltwater ferry fleet until 1985, when the MoT's saltwater ferries—including Quinsam—were transferred to BC Ferries.[1]

History
CanadaCanada
NameQuinsam
NamesakeQuinsam River
OwnerMinistry of Transportation and Highways (1982-1985), BC Ferries (1985-present)
OperatorMinistry of Transportation and Highways (1982-1985), BC Ferries (1985-present)
Route1982-2022: Nanaimo HarbourGabriola Island, 2022-present: CroftonVesuvius.
BuilderVancouver Shipyards Co Ltd., North Vancouver
Completed1982
In service1982
Refit2010
HomeportVictoria
Identification
NotesTransferred to BC Ferries in 1985
General characteristics
Class and typeunclassified
Typeferry
Tonnage1458.59
Displacement1431 tonnes
Length86.85 m (284.9 ft)
Beam21.24 m (69.7 ft)
Installed power2,601 hp (1,940 kW)
Speed10 knots (19 km/h)
Capacity
  • 400 passengers
  • 70 cars
Crew7
NotesSources:[1][2]

Quinsam carries 70 cars and replaced the smaller MV Quinitsa (which carries fifty cars) on the NanaimoGabriola Island route, and then once again on the VesuviusCrofton route in 2022.[1]

Quinsam has few passenger amenities on board. On each side of the car deck, there are small passenger lounges where there is some seating, as well as washrooms and vending machines.[1] In 2010, she underwent a $16 million mid-life upgrade where she received new engines and generators, a rebuilt pilothouse and passenger cabin, as well as steel replacement.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Hammersmark, John. "Quinsam - BC Ferries". Westcoastferries.ca. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
  2. ^ "What is Onboard: Quinsam". BC Ferries. British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
  3. ^ "MV QUINSAM RETURNS TO SERVICE AFTER $16 MILLION UPGRADE" (PDF) (Press release). Victoria, British Columbia: British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. 17 May 2010. Retrieved 2013-06-12.
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  Media related to IMO 8111386 at Wikimedia Commons