|
Post by EGfleet on Nov 16, 2010 7:28:52 GMT -8
This popped into my mail box from another ferry group today... BC Ferries interested in new Saaremaa ferryAccording to the Estonian newspaper Saarte Håål BC Ferries is interested in buying the Saaremaa Shipping Company's ferry under construction, HIIUMAA. Representatives from BC Ferries apparently have visited Saaremaa and made several trial trips with the sistership SAAREMAA. They visited the Fiskerstrand Shipyard in Norway as well. Still according to the newspaper, a BC Ferries representative said that the vessel is planned to replace a similar vessel, if the deal comes through and will be a step on the way to modernising the BC Ferry Fleet. Source: Saarte Håål Here's a link to the image of the Saaremaa.images.vesseltracker.com/images/vessels/midres/Mv-Saaremaa-619781.jpg Moderator Edit: Changed name of this thread as the original title sounded like BCFS had purchased this vessel.
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Nov 16, 2010 9:26:59 GMT -8
Here's a new thread to discuss and watch what might be an ongoing story with possibly a new BC Ferry as the conclusion: - thanks to forum-member EG-Fleet for getting this story started here. ------------------- More on that news story, from a google-search: www.shipgaz.com/news/top20/top3_news.phpAnd here's the picture of the sister-ship Saaremaa, from vesseltracker.com
|
|
|
Post by gordon on Nov 16, 2010 9:33:48 GMT -8
Could this vessel be a reolacement for The Queen of Chilliwack?
Would a ship like this work up north in the Summer?
|
|
Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,886
|
Post by Mill Bay on Nov 16, 2010 9:37:04 GMT -8
I'll repost my comment reaction here, then Just thought that this is a surprising development. At first I thought they had found a replacement for the Norad. It is a surprise announcement, not only that they are looking for a new vessel all of the sudden (where's the money for that to come from?) but also the type of vessel. Interestingly enough: this is the style of ship that I have thought for a long time that BCFerries should move to for replacing intermediate ships, because it is capable of open strait crossings, having raised bulwarks and a semi enclosed car deck. Here is another link to the engineering firm that designed this ship, along with a few other designs worthy of consideration... www.multi-maritime.no/Default.aspx?tabid=4456&language=en-US
|
|
|
Post by blackshadow on Nov 16, 2010 10:01:56 GMT -8
This is some what old news as BCFS has been looking at this vessel since August for replacement of the Queen of Burnaby, but I am wasn't allow to post it unable some one did. BCFS doesn't want to spent 15-30 million into Burnaby for only have it next four years max. If you have been following Burnaby issues you know why.
From what I heard there are five other vessels BCFS is looking and the HuIiimaa is only new one. It seems the run the Huiimaa was built for, has fallen rough times as all shipping companys and there isn't the demand for this vessel at this time. I have been hearing Saaremaa Shipping Company is planning place order for another vessel if BCFS buys this one and BCFS will have the option to purchase this other vessel. If BCFS isn't able to drop route 9 and this where they plan the second one will go.
I think BCFS is making big mistake as it very heavy ship and too slow for replace the Burnaby. Thus it will consume large amount of fuel similar to Chilliwack does. The only reason BCFS is look at this vessel is they would be able to drop the crew size to 12. There fore would make up for amount of fuel it will consume. I think it would make better Chilliwack replacement but this only thoughts.
There was team of five BCFS employees there last week and they are all so looking at the other five vessels. Thus it is a done deal at this point. Also there are talks with FSG and China shipyard for new ships as well.
|
|
|
Post by gordon on Nov 16, 2010 10:05:33 GMT -8
Could a ship of this size be built in B.C.?
Does the Queen of Chilliwack not need replacing very soon?
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Nov 16, 2010 10:12:44 GMT -8
Could a ship of this size be built in B.C.? Does the Queen of Chilliwack not need replacing very soon? Are those rhetorical questions, or are you really wanting to know? - I'm curious what your opinions are on these 2 items, based on what you've read or learned, and based on your own experience. Otherwise, I don't know if you're expecting a long reply to each of your short questions. - maybe expand upon your questions and then you'll find that you've answered them yourself?
|
|
|
Post by blackshadow on Nov 16, 2010 10:14:54 GMT -8
Gordon:
Yes a vessel of this size can be built here in BC but the cost would be twice as would be of purchasing Huiimaa.
Yes, the Chilliwack should be retired but BCFS is planning a MLU on her as government will not support route 40 new vessel.
|
|
|
Post by Curtis on Nov 16, 2010 10:29:35 GMT -8
Interesting development. It would be a fitting vessel to be named Northern Discovery IMO. She could also easily handle Route 17 in the Winter so the Burnaby can go and replace the Nanaimo...or better yet, she could actually replace the Nanaimo. People might be annoyed about her having an open deck during a storm though. I'd love to see this happen, and not just because the Chilliwack would be gone like some people are probably thinking. (you know who you are)
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Nov 16, 2010 10:56:39 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by gordon on Nov 16, 2010 11:01:30 GMT -8
Are there any specs available for this vessel( capacity ,speed)
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Nov 16, 2010 11:06:43 GMT -8
Are there any specs available for this vessel( capacity ,speed) Google is at www.google.ca or www.google.comI've had some frustration with the translations, but if you're determined, you may find some info. Also, a ship page such as fartyg might be useful for your research: www.faktaomfartyg.sePlease let us know what you find out. Thanks! ------------ late edit: - this page may have some answers. Gordon, time for you to do some translation for all of us ! www.faktaomfartyg.se/saaremaa_2010.htm
|
|
|
Post by Nickfro on Nov 16, 2010 11:30:39 GMT -8
I don't see how this ship can work on Route 40 due to the open car deck, small passenger deck and lack of outside decks. After all, Route 40 is primarily a tourist route, so why would you replace the existing ferry (Chilliwack) with something that is no greater (and quite possibly smaller) in overall passenger space on such a long distance route?
Their specs about 150 cars and 600 passengers is pretty significant, and leads me to believe that the images I've seen of the boat make it look smaller than it actually is. Those specs are greater than the Island Sky's capacities.
I see a ship like this working well on Routes 5, 7, 9 and 17, with the most year round route potential for this ferry being Route 5 or 7.
|
|
|
Post by stvfishy on Nov 16, 2010 11:31:10 GMT -8
Dimensioner. 97,90 x 18,50 x 4,00 m. GT/ NT. 5233/ 1849. Maskineri. Två Wärtsilä 6L20, Två Wärtsilä 8L20 dieslar. Warsila model engnes: www.wartsila.com/,en,solutions,references,marine_references,,2006921853562480,no,8103.htm Effekt. 5320 kW. Total HP 5320 kW (metric equivalent to horsepower) Knop. 15,0. Service Speed: 15 knots. Passagerare. 600. Passenger capy. 600 She is more likely a replacement for the Queen of Chilliwack rather than the Nortern Adventure, but she is a rather heavy ship, since ferries in that part of the Baltic have to sail through icy waters, resulting in a heavier steel hull. A similar sized ferry could be built here or even at Todd in Seattle, but would be far more expensive. Will be interesting to see how this plays out. -->more or less the same as previous specs but in English www.tuulelaevad.ee/webroot/cm/index.php?idc=1041264100013251000&PHPSESSID=9424d47d7ea054b833bbfa2833256729PL SAAREMAA Name: Saaremaa Type: Car Passenger Ferry Built: Fiskerstrand Verft BLRT AS Norway Class: +1A1, R3, ICE-1A, Car Ferry A, EO, EU Class C LOA: 97,84 m Breadth: 18,00 m Speed (knots): 16 GT: 5233 NT: 1849 Draught, moulded midship: 4,00 m -->can BCF/WSF do donuts toooooo?
|
|
mrdot
Voyager
Mr. DOT
Posts: 1,252
|
Post by mrdot on Nov 16, 2010 11:53:26 GMT -8
in many respects this acquisition is similar to BC ferries purchasing the Basto several decades ago, and I wondered about that, and look how its perservered, maybe it will be remodeled to serve as Wack 11. mrdot.
|
|
|
Post by stvfishy on Nov 16, 2010 12:05:57 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by Ferryman on Nov 16, 2010 12:21:36 GMT -8
The Queen of Chilliwack isn't going anywhere, anytime soon.
I would also agree this would be a replacement for the Queen of Burnaby, but I have no idea.
I was afraid BC Ferries would be interested in using these types of ferries. Sigh...
|
|
D'Elete BC in NJ
Voyager
Dispensing gallons of useless information daily...
Posts: 1,671
|
Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Nov 16, 2010 12:48:21 GMT -8
The Queen of Chilliwack isn't going anywhere, anytime soon. I would also agree this would be a replacement for the Queen of Burnaby, but I have no idea. I was afraid BC Ferries would be interested in using these types of ferries. Sigh... It would fit the rumors passed on to me a short while ago, as well.
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Nov 16, 2010 13:22:54 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by gordon on Nov 16, 2010 13:30:43 GMT -8
Will a partially open car deck be a issue if ths vessel replaces the Burnaby?
Could the passenger facilities on this ship be expanded?
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Nov 16, 2010 13:31:44 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Nov 16, 2010 13:34:46 GMT -8
Will a partially open car deck be a issue if ths vessel replaces the Burnaby? Could the passenger facilities on this ship be expanded? No, I don't think so. But maybe it might need a bigger visor. and Yes, interior likely could be renovated. Perhaps you would like to discuss some options?
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,175
|
Post by Neil on Nov 16, 2010 14:00:35 GMT -8
At 98 metres long and 18 wide, there's no way this vessel could carry close to 150 cars, unless it has two vehicle decks, which it doesn't appear to have. The Queen of Chilliwack is about 16 metres longer and has two platform vehicle lanes, and is still only listed as carrying 115- and even that's optimistic for the 'wack. This boat might carry about 90, or 100, tops.
Unless they're going to drastically drop capacity on routes 9 or 17, this boat would only be suitable for route 5, or to replace the Bowen Queen on summer route 9A service, or maybe on route 40, assuming the passenger space is adequate.
|
|
|
Post by Scott (Former Account) on Nov 16, 2010 14:26:19 GMT -8
Here is an image of what I think this vessel might look like if it is purchased by BC Ferries... For this image, I have called the ship "Island Sea"... Please note that this vessel below is ficticious and is not owned or operated by BC Ferries. Original Photo © Einar Riim.
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Nov 16, 2010 14:51:27 GMT -8
At 98 metres long and 18 wide, there's no way this vessel could carry close to 150 cars, unless it has two vehicle decks, which it doesn't appear to have. Perhaps the under-construction Hiiumaa will be a larger version of her sister ship? I've found lots of images and stats on the M/S Saaremaa, but no specs on the Hiiumaa that is supposedly under-construction at the Fiskerstrand shipyard in Norway.
|
|