Blue Star Ithaki, welcome to Canada

I finally got to see the ferry that will replace the Princess of Acadia sometime this year between Digby and Saint John.  Yesterday (February 7), I had my first look at the former Blue Star Ithaki now temporarly renamed Canada 2014.  (The public can suggest names for the ship at ferries.ca/naming/ until February 20).  She has been docked at Pier 9A at the Richmond Terminals in Halifax since arriving at the port on December 5, 2014 after a stop in Saint John on December 2 and Digby on December 3-4 to check measurements at her future berths.  The vessel is currently awaiting to get an extensive refit which includes an engine overhaul/conversion to marine diesel from Wartsila (the engine manufacturer).

My first impressions seeing the ship in person is that she looks very seaworthy for the Bay of Fundy service and would be a suitable fit for the route.  A bit smaller, but faster than her predecessor, but I doubt there would be any 3 minute dockings on the Bay of Fundy anytime soon.  Although its too soon to tell, I believe this new to the Maritimes ferry will be as reliable if not more than the outgoing Princess and like in Greece, she will be well liked here.  It may be two months late but welcome to your new home Blue Star Ithaki.  May you be blessed with many years of serving Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

A few facts                                                       (As Blue Star Ithaki)
IMO No: 9203916          
MMSI: 316013219                                         (239692000)
Call sign: CFK5493                                         (SXWF)
Owner: Transport Canada                          (Blue Star Maritime SA)
Operator: Bay Ferries Limited                  (Blue Star Maritime SA)

As built
Year built: 2000
Builder: Daewoo Heavy Industries, South Korea
Main engines: 4 Wartsila NSD 9L32
Auxiliary engines: 3 Wartsila NSD 6L20
(more specifications at ship-technology.com)