MV Quinsam 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.
Quinsam replaced the smaller 50 car MV Quinitsa on the Nanaimo to Gabriola Island route. This is the only route that Quinsam has sailed on.
In 2010, Quinsam underwent a $16 million mid-life upgrade where she received new engines and generators, and a rebuilt pilothouse and passenger cabin.
- Built: 1982, Vancouver Shipyards
- Tonnage: 1458.59
- Displacement: 1431 tonnes
- Length: 86.85 m
- Beam: 21.24 m
- Draft: 1. 8m
- Propulsion:
- 4x MTU 2000 Series V12, 2,601 hp diesel engines
- 4 x azimuth turning type, right-angled drive
- Speed: 13 knots
- Capacity: 400 passengers. 70 cars
- Crew: 6