Zulu Alpha Kilo Helps Build Bc’s New Hullo Ferries Brand from the Hull Up

The Salish Sea will start to feel a little more welcoming later this summer when Hullo, a new high-speed ferry service, launches between downtown Vancouver and downtown Nanaimo. Like the name suggests, Hullo is all about friendly and convenient service that brings the people of Vancouver and Vancouver Island closer together than ever.

In 2021, Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC) tapped the strategic and design capabilities from independent creative agency, Zulu Alpha Kilo, to build the Hullo brand. ZAK was charged with everything from the naming of Hullo to the visual identity (shown on website, paid media, signage etc.) to the design of the vessels themselves.

The visual identity was inspired by the natural beauty in Vancouver and Vancouver Island—the deep green of the Salish Sea, the light beige of the sandy beaches, and the nautical orange. “Our brand and vessels are gorgeous, and so meaningful as they tie in so perfectly with our community around us,” says Xander France, Director of Sales & Marketing, Vancouver Island Ferry Company.

“We are proud of the work we have done with the VIFC team to help them stand apart in this well-established industry,” says Stephanie Yung, Chief Design Officer at Zulu Alpha Kilo. “Establishing a brand from its purpose and foundational identity through to conceptualizing the name, personality and experience is at the core of what we love to do for our partners,”

The Zulu team also worked hand in hand with Damen Shipyards Group to push the boundaries of vessel ferry design. “Working with the team from Zulu Alpha Kilo to reimagine the interior and exterior design has been an exceptional experience,” says Thijs Muskens, Damen Shipyards Group. “They brought creative and innovative concepts to us that really make the vessels stand out in the industry.”

“We are already getting great response from social media on how much people love the look and branding of Hullo,” says Xander France. “We’re thrilled with the work that we were able to do with the team to bring this to life.”

Residents and visitors alike will be able to catch a glimpse of the two high-speed vessels as they have arrived in Victoria, BC in advance of the launch of the ferry service later this summer.

For Zulu Alpha Kilo, this work launches at a time when the team in Vancouver is growing, with clients like Destination BC and Save-On-Foods. Zulu Alpha Kilo also launched a New York office in 2022.