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Post by Curtis on Apr 2, 2022 16:49:41 GMT -8
Island Nagalis appears to have entered service this afternoon with the 15:30 sailing from Blubber Bay. She left the tie-up berth at Quathiaski Cove this morning and proceeded to swap places with the Island Discovery. Unless I've forgotten a trial run she did, that makes the Nagalis the third Island Class to begin revenue service on Route 18.
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Post by Curtis on Oct 4, 2021 20:22:12 GMT -8
Posting to acknowledge that I've changed the name of this thread to better reflect the current status of this project. We'll rename the thread when BC Ferries resumes the project and we get more details.
Also, just some general housekeeping: I've merged posts from an older inactive thread here as discussion of this project moved from that thread to this one and it would be redundant to keep both.
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Post by Curtis on Sept 13, 2021 19:30:24 GMT -8
Not surprising they want to build more Island Class vessels. I've been thinking for a number of weeks how many more we will see. We have a number of minor vessels that have passed or are about to pass the 50 year mark over the next few years. If we build 6 vessels for phase 2, that would cover replacement of the remaining MOTI-built vessels: Quadra Queen II, Tachek, Klitsa, Kahloke, Quinitsa, and Quinsam. Note that I didn't list the Kwuna, that's cause I see vessel replacement on Route 26 going one of two ways: Option 1 is an Island Class which would require modification or outright replacement of the current landings at Skidegate and Alliford Bay. Option 2 is a unique vessel similar in design to the Kwuna which would maintain status-quo operations on Route 26. (Honestly if Route 26 wasn't a saltwater route, I think it would be considered part of the Inland Ferry system) If 8 Island Class are built, maybe that means one gets deployed to Route 26, but more on that in a bit. As for the routes where these 6 Island Class would serve? Route 22 and Route 24 are easy candidates for the first 2 giving both routes a new vessel and a capacity boost. The third vessel I could see going to Route 12, but more likely I see Route 20 getting it and the Kuper being redeployed to Route 12. As for the fourth and fifth, I see Route 6 getting the same two-boat tandem we're about to see on Routes 19 and 23. That just leaves the sixth vessel which I think will allow for one vessel in the class to act as full time relief. Think about it, at this point there will be 12 Island Class vessels, more than any class of ship I can think of. We need at least one vessel to allow for a seamless transition between vessels. For example, say we based an Island Class out of Baynes Sound, that would place it only a few hours away from several Island Class served routes and could also provide emergency relief on Route 21 in a pinch.
Beyond this, I think we've covered every route an Island Class could serve on other than Routes 12 and 26. (Also 21, but we have the cable ferry there) I've already discussed Route 26 above so lets talk about Route 12. We've heard talk for awhile about an alternative crossing to the Malahat, and two Island Class vessels might be the ideal solution for that. That being said, I don't think the demand is there for this, at least not year-round. So one Island Class would become the primary on Route 12 and allow for the retirement of the Kuper, while the other would become the secondary vessel on Route 12 during the peak season or deployed in an emergency role if the Malahat is closed. The rest of the time, it would be used as relief much like the one I suggested above, but covering the routes south of Nanaimo.
Whatever the case, it'll be interesting to see what comes ahead. This is just how I see it going down.
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Post by Curtis on Jan 1, 2021 20:05:17 GMT -8
Also how does BC Ferries deal with loading on secondary berth at Saltery Bay since it’s not directly a lined with holding compound? It’s pretty simple. Vehicles simply drive up the exit lane, then make a 180 degree right turn onto the road that leads to the berth.
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Post by Curtis on Jan 1, 2021 15:37:21 GMT -8
When where berth 2 built at Saltery Bay and Earls Cove? I assume by berth 2, you mean the primary berths at Saltery Bay and Earls Cove? (i.e. not the wooden berths) We know those structures were in place by the late 70s. We can also presume the building of the berth at Saltery Bay coincided with the building of the terminal buildings and holding area we know today. I’d pinpoint the exact time frame somewhere between the late 60s and early 70s. My guess is that it was around the same time the Powell River Queen had her saddle lounges removed. Considering they modified the PRQ to accommodate more commercial traffic, I wouldn’t doubt both terminals received improvements for the same reason.
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Post by Curtis on Dec 25, 2020 0:10:18 GMT -8
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Post by Curtis on Nov 28, 2020 8:21:43 GMT -8
Do we still have reporters in Powell River? Curtis? I've noticed that BC Ferries now gives the crossing time to Blubber Bay as twenty minutes. I think it used to be 30-35 minutes on their old schedules. I understand that Island Discovery has a faster service speed than the North Island Princess- fourteen knots as opposed to ten- but anytime I look on the ship positions page, she seems to be doing eleven or so, so that really wouldn't change the crossing time significantly. Perhaps a factor is not having to back into the berth at Westview? Anyway... did anyone clock the actual crossing times with the NIP in the past, and has it changed with the new vessel? I notice also that with their new website, BC Ferries no longer lists the route distance. I think Blubber Bay used to be five nautical miles... a bit of a stretch to think that could be done in twenty minutes. Route 18 is definitely faster now than it was under the North Island Princess. The BCF site listed the crossing time as 35-40 minutes before. (On another note, Route 17 is still listed as 85-90 minutes rather than 70-75 like it should) 20 minutes though, that’s a stretch if you ask me. My guess is that the 20 minute crossing time is the time it takes for the Salish Class rather than the Island Class. (Especially when you consider how many times the Eagle has done the 17a triangle as of late) Though I wouldn’t doubt the Discovery or Aurora could do Route 18 in 20 if they went at their maximum speed. One of my rides on the Discovery, she did the run in about 25 minutes and averaged around 13 knots to make up for an earlier delay. 20 minutes into that sailing, we were entering Blubber Bay. If she pushed a little more, perhaps 20 would be attainable, but, like Karl said above, 30 minutes is now the average. (Service speed capped at 12 knots) That’s similar to the NIP running at her full speed and not needing to back out or in.
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MV Coho
Oct 27, 2020 20:38:04 GMT -8
Post by Curtis on Oct 27, 2020 20:38:04 GMT -8
Any word on how Coho's coping- aside from the Online Shop? What could they do within U.S. Waters, to Improve their Situation? Other than doing a Washington to Alaska service I can’t think of anything that could be done with the Coho at this time. Without staterooms she is not really suitable for long runs either. The only ways I could see Black Ball try and recover some costs (outside the online shop) is either by hosting open houses, (i.e. socially distanced open houses) or if they organized a day cruise. Even then though, I doubt it would even be feasible. I doubt a 2 or 3 hour cruise out in the strait would have enough appeal on its own, so where would they go? Port Angeles isn't exactly close to scenic regions like the San Juans or Puget Sound, so right away they'd waste a ton of fuel to make this appealing. This would make tickets cost quite a bit which isn't very good when you're relying on passenger spending for profit. Then of course there's the elephant in the room: packing hundreds of passengers onto a ship during a pandemic. A lot of extra work would have to be done to make sure passengers and crew were following guidelines to prevent possible spread. Would they even be allowed to sail at full capacity? Even with all these issues, would this even be popular enough to happen? Closer to Seattle you might get more interest and eliminate some of the issues listed above, but out of Port Angeles, I doubt you'd get enough interest for this to occur more than once. I guess all we can do is cross our fingers and hope the Coho can make it out of this.
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Post by Curtis on Sept 25, 2020 18:08:23 GMT -8
Latest update on the Island Discovery as per the Northern Sunshine Coast FAC. She’s expected to be out at least 6 days, so the Quadra Queen II will take over Route 25 on Sunday allowing the Island Aurora to relieve Route 18 in time for start of service on Monday. Full details below.
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Post by Curtis on Aug 27, 2020 13:46:57 GMT -8
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Post by Curtis on Jun 29, 2020 0:00:25 GMT -8
We may not have as much coverage of Island Aurora as we do Island Discovery, but when the Aurora came over to Westview for trials last month, you bet I was out there covering it! Warning: VERY Photo Heavy! All Photos are © CS16 Photography and may only be used with Permission from the Owner.With Texada Island and the Comox Glacier looming behind her. The Aurora patiently waits for the North Island Princess to clear the berth. 3 Ferries in one shot. Not something you get to see too often round here. Here's the kind of shot I wish I could have got when the Island Discovery did her trials a few months back. I guess the Aurora is the next best thing. With the NIP on her way, Aurora sets her heading for Westview. Now for a closer look.
A modern sight among the various pleasure craft and commercial vessels that occupy Westview's south harbour. From a more elevated perspective at the side of the highway. I'd say she and her sister fit in nicely with their surroundings. From here I took a break for lunch. But I was back at the wharf in time to see her off. Note here that she's swapped ends. Away she goes. Before we go, one last shot of her and the NIP. Probably the last time these two in particular will cross paths... Unless say the NIP has a longer than expected stay at Deas. But even then, Aurora will likely have her first refits and warranty work done at Point Hope. If you'd like to see more from this set, it's viewable on my Flickr page.
That's all for now!
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Post by Curtis on Jun 27, 2020 0:48:14 GMT -8
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Post by Curtis on Jun 24, 2020 23:33:36 GMT -8
Concerns have been brought up regarding the crewing requirements of the Island Class vessels. As you’d expect, the key concerns are about safety and the loss of jobs in the transition to a new vessel. Transport Canada approved Island Discovery and Island Aurora to operate with a crew of 5. For Route 18, this means a reduction of 2 positions while Route 25 sees a reduction of 1. Story Here: www.prpeak.com/news/powell-river-texada-ferry-staffing-draws-concern-1.24159259I did expect a reduction in crew when the Island Class arrived, but I’m surprised they got approved for 5. Especially when similarly sized minor vessels in the fleet (some of which are smaller) usually run with 6 crew. I’m reminded of the concerns Denman and Hornby residents had when they heard the plans to operate the Baynes Sound Connector with 3 crew. TC ended up approving the BSC for 4 crew in that case. (To my knowledge that hasn’t changed) Whatever the case, I’m interested to see what will happen should the union try to get these crew licenses reviewed.
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Post by Curtis on Jun 9, 2020 14:25:00 GMT -8
And now the official word from BC Ferries. Tomorrow (June 10) is the day! Interesting timing though as the 15:00 sailing on Wednesday is the weekly dangerous goods run. The release also kind of contradicts itself as it states the NIP retires tonight instead of tomorrow after the AM crew shift. (Is there a third ship involved they're not telling us about?... Queen of Richmond?? ) Media Release: www.bcferries.com/bcferries/faces/attachments?id=7648And the video BC Ferries released welcoming the Island Discovery into service:
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Post by Curtis on Jun 8, 2020 16:44:34 GMT -8
Looks like the wait for the Island Discovery is almost over!
From the Northern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee Facebook page:
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Post by Curtis on Jun 8, 2020 13:09:43 GMT -8
Here’s the Media Release from BC Ferries on the face covering requirements: www.bcferries.com/bcferries/faces/attachments?id=7625The major points: (Or the TL;DR if you prefer) -All passengers over the age of 2 will be required to have a face covering to travel as of June 15. -These rules will apply to all routes longer than 30 minutes. -BC Ferries will not be providing face coverings to passengers. -Customers will be asked if they have a face covering and are willing to use it. -Service will be refused if a customer does not answer the question or says no. Honestly surprised this didn’t happen sooner. What a way to ring in their 60th anniversary though.
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Post by Curtis on Jun 2, 2020 11:25:01 GMT -8
Anyone know where the Bowen has been docked lately? Oh, sometimes at Vesuvius, sometimes at Crofton, other times in between. After a quick look on MarineTraffic, It appears the Mayne Queen has come to the rescue on Route 6 in the meantime.
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Post by Curtis on May 28, 2020 11:44:10 GMT -8
Aurora has made landing at Westview in Powell River as of a few minutes ago. You can view her live on the Powell River Peak’s website at the link below. www.prpeak.com/webcam
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Post by Curtis on May 22, 2020 12:39:29 GMT -8
Island Aurora is on the move today. She left Buckley Bay this morning and headed north towards Discovery Passage. At the current time she is docked at Quathiaski Cove after crossing over from Campbell River.
Next Stop: Port McNeill? We’ll see...
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Post by Curtis on May 5, 2020 14:26:04 GMT -8
I-Disco part deux! Warning: VERY Photo Heavy! All Photos are © CS16 Photography and may only be used with Permission from the Owner.The day following her arrival at Saltery Bay, the Island Discovery made her first visits to Westview and Blubber Bay for dock trials. Here's my coverage from her time at Westview. With her first round of fittings complete, she clears the berth at Westview for the Salish Eagle to come in. The first of many meetings between these two. Much like when the Queen of Burnaby and Salish Orca met off Little River 3 years ago, the Island Discovery and the North Island Princess meet off Texada. Just a shame they couldn't pass a little closer to Westview or when the weather was a little better. After taking a break for lunch, the Discovery emerged from Blubber Bay and passed her soon to be predecessor once again. A size comparison. The NIP is on a bit of an angle for this comparison, but the Discovery is further away and she's still the bigger ship. Making her way back to Westview. The first of many "Mill Shots" for this vessel. From the Highway. And once again from the terminal at a few alternate angles. After two hours in the berth. It was time to return to Saltery Bay. Away she goes. That's all for now.
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Post by Curtis on Apr 23, 2020 12:17:57 GMT -8
As long as the elderly N.I.P. stays functional, there's little need to rush things. Well yes, but also no. While the NIP might be perfectly fine to operate for another few months, the deciding factor comes down to how long her licenses and certifications are valid. For example, I know one of the Howe Sound Queen’s certifications expired within days of her retirement, I imagine it’s a similar case for the NIP. Also, considering the amount of money BCFS is hemorrhaging right now due to the pandemic, keeping the NIP in service while 2 new vessels wait in the wings is probably the last thing they want. On the other hand, they could keep the Quadra Queen II running Route 25 for the time being if they so wished, but again I doubt they would.
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Post by Curtis on Apr 19, 2020 22:12:02 GMT -8
I've lost count of how many vessels I've photographed in Saltery Bay over the years. You can add Island Discovery to that list now. Warning: Photo Heavy! All Photos are © CS16 Photography and may only be used with Permission from the Owner.Beginning her approach after repositioning to Jervis Inlet from Buckley Bay.
First stop upon arrival was Berth 2 to get dock fittings done before the Malaspina Sky returned.
I suppose this is technically the first time in almost half a year that a ferry with the prefix 'Island' has called here.
With dock fitting done, she repositions herself into Berth 1.
Settled into the berth where she'd be spending much of her next few weeks.
Next some views from the Government Wharf.
Last but not least, we off this session with a shot from the terminal.
That's all for now.
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Post by Curtis on Apr 19, 2020 21:24:41 GMT -8
While waiting for the Island Discovery's arrival, it gave me the opportunity to watch the Island Malaspina Sky arrive and depart Saltery Bay. All Photos are © CS16 Photography and may only be used with Permission from the Owner.
With the power span above her.
In a profile view.
In the sunlight. Look closely and you'll see the Island Discovery in the background.
Closing in on Saltery Bay.
In the berth ready to depart.
Finally, she powers out of Saltery Bay as the Discovery approaches.
That's all for now.
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Post by Curtis on Apr 17, 2020 17:33:27 GMT -8
Hard to believe we're down to weeks before the North Island Princess hits retirement. Here's some shots of her at work from just over a month ago. All Photos are © CS16 Photography and may only be used with Permission from the Owner.
Making the crossing to Westview.
Approaching Westview she meets the Salish Eagle. You could almost mistake the Eagle for a steamship with that plume coming from the mill behind it.
With the berth cleared she glides right in.
While she sat the the berth, I decided to get a little closer and take some shots from the side of the highway. A challenge with all those masts in front of her.
Back at the viewpoint I watched her depart from Westview.
We conclude this set with the picturesque mountains on Vancouver Island as her backdrop.
That's all for now.
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Post by Curtis on Apr 5, 2020 10:50:48 GMT -8
Not a big deal I’m just curious as to why the New West has been sitting in Berth 5 at Tsawwassen when she’s not being used?? Which just leaves Berth 3 available when the SOBC ties up for the afternoon in Berth 4. Maybe it’s because the Alberni is in Berth 2? If I had to guess why the New West is in berth 5 instead of 4, it’s likely because they’ve closed off the berth 5 foot passenger lounge to limit the potential spread of COVID-19. With the biggest lounge at Tsawwassen closed off, this would make it much easier for terminal staff to spread out foot passengers in the hallways between berths 2 and 5 instead of having them all gathered in one lounge. That being said, I’m sure they don’t even need berth 5 right now due to both the pandemic and the lower amount of foot traffic caused by it.
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