MV Nicola (1960)
The MV Nicola is an N class ferry, owned, but not operated by BC Ferries. It is also known as the Spirit of Lax Kw' Alaams, a British Columbia First Nations name. The Spirit of Lax Kw' Alaams currently runs between Prince Rupert and Port Simpson, (also known as Lax Kw'alaams) a BC First Nations community on British Columbia's North Coast. Overnight it is kept at the Smit tugboat dock in Prince Rupert Harbour.
In December 2009 Sahar Nassimdoost reported that a new dock was under construction in Prince Rupert for use by the Spirit of Lax Kw' Alaams. The BC government report on the project mentions that the new Prince Rupert dock will be near Aero Point and cost CA$$ 2,976,300.00 with an expected completion time of June 2010.
Statistics
Built: Vancouver BC
Launched: 1960
Vehicle capacity: 16
Passenger Capacity: 133
Length: 33.8 metres
Gross Tons: 255
Service Speed: 10 knots
Horsepower: 680
Sources:
Sister ships
MV Nimpkish
MV Albert J Savoie
The Nicola is sister ship with the Nimpkish, so they are tied as the smallest ships owned by BC Ferries (BCFS). Its sister ship, however is both owned and operated by BCFS. Nicola also has one long-lost sister, the MV Albert J Savoie, sold from BC Ferries to Rainy day Logging during the summer of 2002.