In addition, the Island-class ships are extremely quiet, creating less underwater radiated noise disturbance to marine life and providing a more enjoyable sailing for passengers.

[6] The vessels are double ended and are considered the minor class of the BC Ferries standardization plan.

[4][10] Construction was completed in July, and the vessels were loaded on board a semi-submersible transport ship for the two-month crossing from Romania to Canada.

[16] Most of the Island-class vessels underwent sea trials in the Saanich Inlet, near Victoria, and in Baynes Sound before their entry to service, and spent time at both the Point Hope Shipyard and BC Ferries Deas Dock.

[18] The Island K'ulut'a also spent a brief period of time on the Alert Bay – Port McNeill – Sointula route.

Island Gwawis also test sailed in tandem with the Quinsam in the days leading up to the new service it would provide.

[19] In January 2024, BC Ferries announced that it had awarded the contract to build the four new vessels to Damen Shipyards, who had built the existing six.

[20][21] On July 16, 2024, BC Ferries announced the beginning of steel cutting for the first of the four new vessels at Damen Shipyards Galati.