Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2014 8:25:34 GMT -8
I have yet to see a realistic solution for them to take on all commitments without causing delay to the ICF project. BC Ferries needs these vessels as soon as they can, and WMG recognized that they would not be able to deliver, given their workload. "Expanding their infrastructure" for a single job is not realistic. While it's not realistic for a single job, had Seaspan had these facilities in place, they might have been able to take on the ICF project, and they'd likely get future contracts from BCF. I guess the Cable Ferry project is SOMETHING, although it's relatively "nothing" compared to what likely FSG will be taking on. Regardless, it's a smart political move on the part of BCF by having the Cable Queen Built in BC. I'm quite skeptical as to whether these Coast Guard Boats will ever come off the drawing board... it's a bit early to say that the shipyards are "full." This is a huge leap of faith on Seaspan's part towards the Federal Government.
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Post by WettCoast on Feb 28, 2014 9:24:57 GMT -8
How anyone could describe a $15 million barge as any sort of victory for BC yards is beyond me. Twenty years ago we could build two Spirit class vessels in BC. Today we can manage a third rate barge and people here think this is a win?
Ten years from now will we be able to manage a row boat?
As for the federal contracts, they appears to be as much a reality as their fighter jets.
BTW, why do so many think the contract for the ICF's will go to FSG? Supposedly this is an open competitive bidding process available to yards world-wide. Why not a yard in Scandinavia which has experience in building similar small double ended vessels? Why not a yard in Singapore such as the one currently building the fourth Seabus?
FSG, to my knowledge, has no experience with building this type of vessel, and I can't see them being able to build such for less money than yards in lower-wage countries such as in Asia. If we are going to turn our backs on BC yards & BC workers then lets go to whoever can get the job done for the least cost.
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mrdot
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Mr. DOT
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Post by mrdot on Feb 28, 2014 11:47:37 GMT -8
:)I'am afraid we have moved from what once was a very capable shipbuilding industry to a 'wall-mart greeter' in this new age 'jobs for BC' mrdot.
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Post by timmyc on Mar 3, 2014 21:47:56 GMT -8
My two newbie cents: it's interesting to note that Seaspan's 2011 rationale for celebrating their reception of the non-combat vessels package of the NSPS was so that they could still work on civilian orders without worrying about confidential materials and access - e.g. you won't be seeing Irving in Halifax working on any civilian vessels for the next 20 years due to their combat vessels package. Now that Seaspan's admitted they don't have the capacity to build civilian vessels in addition to NSPS work, I wonder how that fits in their original projections. That said, should the Coast Guard contracts fail to come through, Seaspan would retain the capacity to apply for large vessel works. I also imagine the rationale behind the cable ferry bid was to "warm up" the new yard before more intense work begins with the CG science vessels, and thence the Queenston class.
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Post by Dane on Mar 3, 2014 22:05:53 GMT -8
I would suspect that Seaspan's fairly substantial role as a vessel maintenance facility would be the relevant factor for not wanting a security zone at their facilities; it is not so much a lack of new build capacity in itself per say.
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Post by timmyc on Mar 3, 2014 23:12:25 GMT -8
Agreed, though I was thinking of paperwork/software access restrictions rather than physical access. Often, in service support is worth just as much, if not more, over the service life of a vessel than the original construction cost, so having the ships be built overseas is not a complete write-off in terms of jobs over the long term.
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Post by Low Light Mike on May 30, 2014 20:50:47 GMT -8
Cable Queen news from the June 2014 issue of Western Mariner:
- steel construction commences June 2014
- Lead designer prime contractor is KPFF Consulting Engineers of Seattle
- subcontractor for ship's structural design is E.Y.E. Marine Consultants (Dartmouth, NS)
- subcontractor for ship's systems design is Elliot Bay Design Group of Seattle.
- shore structures are contracted to Vancouver Pile Driving and to Ruskin Construction.
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Post by Low Light Mike on May 30, 2014 20:56:35 GMT -8
Western Mariner magazine has a diagram of the ship design profile. The closest thing that I could find on the internet (to give us a link here) is this item, from a Gabriola advisory website. I draw your attention to the centre console, running the length of the barge. 2 lanes on either side of the centre console. HERE for the DIAGRAM
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Jun 1, 2014 22:18:39 GMT -8
Update: According to a notice posted on the Quinitsa, construction of the cable ferry docks begins tomorrow, June 2nd.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Jun 4, 2014 21:56:18 GMT -8
It appears that the Denman side will be constructed first, as there is no activity at Buckley Bay. So far, equipment and materials are being brought in to Denman West, and tree trimming and removal has commenced. I'll post photos when there's something worth seeing.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jun 28, 2014 16:17:46 GMT -8
...for those following along
From the Times-Colonist newspaper:
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Post by Curtis on Sept 3, 2014 13:08:36 GMT -8
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mrdot
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Mr. DOT
Posts: 1,252
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Post by mrdot on Sept 3, 2014 14:51:50 GMT -8
:)well I sincerely hope we can still build a bloody cable ferry here in BC, and all the jobs, jobs, jobs, artn't wall mart greeter ones! :)mrdot.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Nov 14, 2014 22:43:14 GMT -8
In this week's edition of the 'Island Grapevine', Hornby FAC chair Tony Law reports that "terminal upgrades at Denman West and Buckley Bay should be substantially completed by the end of 2014", according to BC Ferries.
The two terminals are currently quite a mess- Denman in particular- so while no one is looking forward to the cable ferry, an end to the muck and disruption will no doubt be welcomed.
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Post by Dane on Nov 30, 2014 22:21:44 GMT -8
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Post by Ferryman on Dec 11, 2014 21:09:09 GMT -8
As part of a course I'm taking in school right now (Ship Construction 2), my class and I went for a field trip to Vancouver Shipyards. The reason why Vancouver Shipyards was chosen was because there is some ship building currently underway, and Vancouver Drydock is going to be used primarily for ship repairs now. While we were there, we got an up close and personal look at the Cable Ferry being put together. I was really impressed with all of the brand new equipment and facilities at Vancouver Shipyards, which is a huge step up from the last time I toured the facility in 2009. Anyways, I better cut to the chase. Here are the photos: The first part of the operation we saw was the "Panel Shop". This is where the large panels are constructed, which are mostly deck and bulkheads. For the most part, computers weld the angle bars ('L' shaped lengths of steel) on to the flat plates of steel, apparently saving a lot of wear and tear on workers backs and knees. This is the channel that the cable itself will run through. This channel will run down the centerline of the vessel, but will sit just below the cardeck itself. The cable winches themselves will be located amidship. Here's a plasma cutter being used to cut the steel. There were several other methods being used to cut the steel, but most of it is being done with large overhead type configurations like this. More of the cable channel being worked on The Cable Ferry plans posted in the assembly hall A section of the hull being put together. This was where most of the activity was happening. Hull Profile Last picture: The Cable Channel installed That's all I could capture of the Cable Ferry. Before we know it, this thing will be in the water. Cheers!
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Post by timmyc on Dec 13, 2014 21:57:01 GMT -8
Nice! It's good to see the yard with the lights on and the machinery at work - quite a difference from my Thanksgiving visit!
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,186
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Post by Neil on Mar 5, 2015 22:52:56 GMT -8
Today, the 12:50 Quinitsa sailing from Denman West encountered a very long and very slow moving- perhaps three knots- log boom being shepherded by two tugs travelling south down Baynes Sound. She exited the dock and then reversed in front of the boom and backed into Buckley Bay.
Not something the cable ferry will be able to do. Either tugs and booms will be banned from Baynes Sound, or the tethered ferry will just have to wait, no matter how busy things are.
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Post by westernflyer on Mar 6, 2015 11:59:23 GMT -8
I have my doubts that log tows originating from the Union Bay sort would be compelled to take the dicey alternative route out across Comox Bar.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Apr 15, 2015 18:57:37 GMT -8
A BCF update on the cable ferry project: Still no word on a name. from HERE
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Post by WettCoast on Apr 15, 2015 20:10:16 GMT -8
Cable Vision (of the Seas)
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Post by Low Light Mike on Apr 15, 2015 21:07:38 GMT -8
Cable Vision (of the Seas)
I see a naming-rights opportunity, for Shaw or Rogers.
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Post by WettCoast on Apr 15, 2015 21:39:41 GMT -8
It also stays consistent with the BCFS preference for wanna-be cruise ship names...
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Post by blackshadow on Apr 16, 2015 11:39:30 GMT -8
Doesn't anyone find it interesting the cable ferry should have be in place with am in service date of June. I saw updates from CEO saying cable ferry will be in place at end of May with in service date end of July at same time saying it is on time and on budget.
The Queen of Cable Ferry, Captain Ester Allan, is report saying to Quadra residents the cable ferry will be M/V Baynes Sound Connector which will be getting its name on May 8th which was to be April 8th.
So much for being on time!!
Other news being saying in area is cables made wrong and new cable need to made, system to keep cables tight is under sized and current being replaced, budget when from $30 million to $80 million and crew size that BCF wanted has been turned down by Transport Canada which they request a crew of 6 six. O yes vessel is smaller than Quinitsa and going carry three to four cars less or same number if vehicle are smart cars are only loaded.
It is becoming the cable flop from what I have been hearing and transportation ministry is looking for blood if BCF can not solve issues.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Apr 16, 2015 11:51:33 GMT -8
Doesn't anyone find it interesting the cable ferry should have be in place with am in service date of June. I saw updates from CEO saying cable ferry will be in place at end of May with in service date end of July at same time saying it is on time and on budget. The Queen of Cable Ferry, Captain Ester Allan, is report saying to Quadra residents the cable ferry will be M/V Baynes Sound Connector which will be getting its name on May 8th which was to be April 8th. So much for being on time!! Other news being saying in area is cables made wrong and new cable need to made, system to keep cables tight is under sized and current being replaced, budget when from $30 million to $80 million and crew size that BCF wanted has been turned down by Transport Canada which they request a crew of 6 six. O yes vessel is smaller than Quinitsa and going carry three to four cars less or same number if vehicle are smart cars are only loaded. It is becoming the cable flop from what I have been hearing and transportation ministry is looking for blood if BCF can not solve issues. Thanks for that inside update. Much appreciated. This will be interesting to watch unfold.
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