The BC Ferries vessel Queen of New Westminster, on one of the busiest routes, may be out of commission for several more weeks after one of its propellers was sheared off earlier this week. The starboard propeller and hub assembly of the 60-year-old vessel have been sheared off, leading to the cancellation of multiple sailings between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen. The ship will have to go into dry dock for repairs, and all sailings have been canceled through to Sept. 30. BC Ferries will update passengers on the progress of the repairs, whether they take longer or shorter than expected.
As BC Ferries enters its refit season, repairs to the Queen of New Westminster come at a time when seven more vessels are expected to undergo their regular refit process between October and November. Among these vessels are the 53-year-old Queen of Alberni, 54-year-old Queen of Coquitlam, and 55-year-old Queen of Cowichan, in addition to the Queen of New Westminster. These older vessels are expected to be retired in the coming years as replacements arrive. The company acknowledges that the challenges posed by the age of the fleet persist, as six vessels in the fleet have been in service for over 50 years.
Despite the challenges posed by the aging fleet, BC Ferries is anticipating the busiest summer in its 64-year history in 2024, with projections of 5 million passengers and 2 million vehicles between June and July. This surge in demand for ferry services indicates the importance of maintaining and updating the fleet to ensure reliability and efficiency. The company recognizes the need to address the ongoing issues related to the age of the vessels, especially as more passengers rely on BC Ferries for transportation between popular destinations in British Columbia.
The damaged propeller on the Queen of New Westminster underscores the need for continued maintenance and investment in the ferry fleet to prevent disruptions in service. The incident has led to the cancellation of sailings and inconvenience for passengers traveling between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen. As BC Ferries works to repair the vessel and address the age-related challenges of its fleet, passengers can expect updates on the status of sailings and any changes to the schedule. The company is committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of its services, particularly as it prepares for a busy summer season in the coming years.
In addition to the repairs on the Queen of New Westminster, BC Ferries is gearing up for the refit of several other vessels as part of its regular maintenance schedule. The upcoming refits of the Queen of Alberni, Queen of Coquitlam, and Queen of Cowichan highlight the ongoing efforts to keep the fleet in working condition while preparing for the retirement of older vessels. The company’s plans to introduce replacements for these aging vessels demonstrate a commitment to modernizing the fleet and meeting the needs of passengers in the years to come.
As BC Ferries faces the challenges of maintaining an aging fleet and addressing the repair needs of its vessels, the company remains focused on providing reliable and efficient ferry services to millions of passengers each year. The unexpected damage to the Queen of New Westminster serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing maintenance and investment in the ferry system. With plans to retire older vessels and introduce new replacements, BC Ferries is working to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience for passengers traveling between destinations in British Columbia.
