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Post by Starsteward on Jul 17, 2015 6:29:02 GMT -8
Nice shot of the 'Smit Mississippi' doing her duty. Couldn't help but notice several interesting 'oddities' with regards to the big box boat. Anyone have some ideas?
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 15, 2015 8:02:10 GMT -8
Does anyone, including BC Ferries have ANY idea of what volume of vehicle or passenger traffic there might be for purely inter-island traffic? Surely there is some percentage of Gulf Islanders who either require or could build upon some sort of reliable service between the various islands. The premise that ALL traffic to the various terminals in the Gulf Islands comes from either Tsawwassen or Swartz Bay is questionable. If BC Ferries wasn't interested in providing a regular inter-island service, would they consider letting a private company take on that role? Dare I add, that 'maybe' BC Ferries would let that private operator use BC Ferries docks? Doubtful I would suspect? Regarding ridership statistics for inter-island service: the best any one of us can do is look at the stats for routes 5 and 9. I am sure BC Ferries would have that information, although it would probably take an FOI request to get them to shell it out - unless someone here has that info... Regarding a private operator: embedded in to the Coastal Ferries Act is the ability to contract out services, specifically minor routes, to private operators. Unfortunately (much to the disdain of our provincial government) public transportation is not profitable, and I can assure that an inter-island service for a vehicle ferry is no exception to this. If it were feasible, and a private operator were interested, BC Ferries would be required to evaluate this through a tendering process. In that instance, I believe use of BC Ferries' terminal assets would be OK. It's worth noting that there are a lot of smaller operators that do water taxi services between the islands for foot traffic. Thanks for the insightful information re: my thoughts on inter-island ferry service. In terms of the Coastal Ferry Act, the fact that BC Ferries is 'required' to evaluate any interest from a private operator, especially on areas/routes which could be considered 'minor' in nature, exudes 'protectionism' or a dog in the manger scenario at best. There are more than a few quirks in the Coastal Ferry Act, which in my opinion could use a grand overhaul. The CFA seems to saddle BC Ferries with policies/procedures that create needless requirements. I understand the essence of the CFA, I think) is to ensure that coastal communities receive some measure of service from BCF, but this Act should not be an impediment to free enterprise providing coastal services either.
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 15, 2015 5:49:42 GMT -8
Does anyone, including BC Ferries have ANY idea of what volume of vehicle or passenger traffic there might be for purely inter-island traffic? Surely there is some percentage of Gulf Islanders who either require or could build upon some sort of reliable service between the various islands. The premise that ALL traffic to the various terminals in the Gulf Islands comes from either Tsawwassen or Swartz Bay is questionable. If BC Ferries wasn't interested in providing a regular inter-island service, would they consider letting a private company take on that role? Dare I add, that 'maybe' BC Ferries would let that private operator use BC Ferries docks? Doubtful I would suspect?
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 13, 2015 5:43:29 GMT -8
Monday greetings! The SSA has released some first construction photos of the new MV WOODS HOLE being built at Conrad. This PDF is more than 5mb in size: www.steamshipauthority.com/writable/files/m.v.woodshole_construction_project.pdfwww.steamshipauthority.com/news/118-m_v_woods_hole_ferry_construction_projectThis is an updated 3-D rendering of the new MV WOODS HOLE released by the SSA. The Main Deck is similar to Calmac's new MV LOCH SEAFORTH with a closed bow and an open stern (the difference is that the forward part of the LS is an actual bow that opens up and the WH has giant sliding hatches like what the ISLAND HOME and QUEEN OF ALBERNI have).As common with some shipyards, the hull is being built upside down. It will then be up-righted with the superstructure added and finished. These new vessels offer a really good design and either bow door function would seem to be a toss-up. Maybe with a bit more cabin /passenger space on an upper deck, wouldn't one of these ships be a good fit for a revived Route 40 service for Summer months and a more economical fit for Winter service on Route 11? Come to think of it, this design looks like it might be a good fit for many BCF routes.
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 11, 2015 16:56:58 GMT -8
The good folks relying on a 'reasonable' level of ferry service on route 21 will no doubt be elated to hear that sort of news. Route 21 is presently not well served and now they can look forward to a "ferrying service" that may begin operating with some very suspect design/mechanical issues. The entire model (BC Coastal Ferry Contract) my apologies if the title is incorrect, along with the position of the 'Commissioner' is in my opinion, in the same need of either disbandment or a complete make-over as is about to befall the 'Translink' entity. The provincial government is getting a bit bogged down with gnarly tasks and dirty laundry they need to remedy sooner than later if they have any hopes of evading the Opposition's side of the legislature when all the good folks of British Columbia get their chance to "send a report card" 3 years hence.
There is another troubling condition by the Commissioner, it addresses the yet unknown real motions and roll response. (c) BC Ferries must satisfy the commissioner that standard operating procedures will be developed and refined as operational experience is gained, to include (ii) operating limits and protocols based on wave conditions that avoid resonant roll by actual measurements of wind speed, wave period and height In the end, we might face a lot of cancelled sailings. This stuff needs to be figured out before 60 million are spend on a hare-brained project. Are we to understand that the Commissioner possesses the necessary qualifications to initially require (c) (ii) and able to interpret any/all evidence provided to him by BC Ferries relative to that section? This project would appear to have more than a few 'built-in' justifications for sailing cancellations, sailing frequency reductions, etc. What exactly does the following wording really mean:? "standard operating procedures will be developed and refined as operational experience is gained" Standard operating procedures would also require BC Ferries to meet the requirement of (c) (ii), I gather, somewhat on the fly? If I sound a tad confused, consider me confused.
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 11, 2015 10:18:45 GMT -8
I wouldn't follow the government's word so closely. Davie Shipyard in Lauzon (across from Quebec City) has struggled over the past years. They haven't seen new ships in a while, aside from two new ferries for Tadoussac which are presently under construction. There was a time where they were full, but much of the expertise has left to other countries where union/employer disputes are less frequent or don't happen at all. The other thing is that Levis-Lauzon is the Federal Public Safety Minister's riding. There is something close to 1000 shipyard workers on EI (at least back in 2012). Spreading the work out between BC and Quebec makes sense, for a government seeking re-election. Sending the Spirits to Seaspan would be pretty spectacular to see. As far as I know the Spirits have never ventured into Vancouver Harbour. Davie Shipyard being located in the riding represented by the current Federal Public Safety Minister, and in a riding with a large number of potential votes, the whole issue as to gets what in terms of contracts etc. might become very interesting should the present federal government be shown the exit door come October.
If my 'senior' memory serves correct, I believe the 'Spirit of B.C.' did an Open House after her launch and before commencing service on route one.
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 11, 2015 10:06:13 GMT -8
You raise an interesting, calamitous possibility. We have, to date, been made well aware of the engineering/design problems with this project. Substantial cost savings was a major factor in determining the type of service to be provided and one of the major cost saving elements was to be obtained from lower crewing levels. IF, at the end of the Transport Canada/BC Ferries emergency/evacuation exercise, TC deems that crew levels must be higher than those proposed by BC Ferries, thus losing that cost saving advantage, at what point does BC Ferries allow the "canary to fly into the fan"?
The Commissioner has set the following condition: "BC Ferries must advise the commissioner of the actual crewing levels, as finally determined, and confirm that the projected life cycle cost savings will be achieved. If the projected life cycle cost savings are less than the projected savings in the Application the commissioner may not allow the increase in operating costs in future price cap determinations." The amendments to the service contract have been signed and the crew is set at 3 for price cap determination. So the savings are shared across all routes. Since the Commissioner may not allow an increase in operating cost for a larger crew, there will have to be further service/ sailing cuts on route 21, adding insult to injury. The good folks relying on a 'reasonable' level of ferry service on route 21 will no doubt be elated to hear that sort of news. Route 21 is presently not well served and now they can look forward to a "ferrying service" that may begin operating with some very suspect design/mechanical issues. The entire model (BC Coastal Ferry Contract) my apologies if the title is incorrect, along with the position of the 'Commissioner' is in my opinion, in the same need of either disbandment or a complete make-over as is about to befall the 'Translink' entity. The provincial government is getting a bit bogged down with gnarly tasks and dirty laundry they need to remedy sooner than later if they have any hopes of evading the Opposition's side of the legislature when all the good folks of British Columbia get their chance to "send a report card" 3 years hence.
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 11, 2015 7:46:51 GMT -8
What will these mid life refits actually cost? ...depends on the three individual bids submitted by Seaspan, Remontowa and Fincantieri. Isn't Seaspan supposed to be somewhat busy with the federal government's shipbuilding program?
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 11, 2015 7:36:06 GMT -8
Not that BC Ferries would publically admit, but I'm wondering if there are more than a few folks at Head Office privately having second thoughts about venturing into this project, given the publics' opposition to the cable concept from the beginning? At least two issues; crewing levels and cable quandaries seem to be the 'dark cloud' on the horizon for this entire project. The NDP's Fast Ferry fiasco may ultimately have historic company? It is my firm belief that it is just a matter of time before the canary flies into the fan on this project. You raise an interesting, calamitous possibility. We have, to date, been made well aware of the engineering/design problems with this project. Substantial cost savings was a major factor in determining the type of service to be provided and one of the major cost saving elements was to be obtained from lower crewing levels. IF, at the end of the Transport Canada/BC Ferries emergency/evacuation exercise, TC deems that crew levels must be higher than those proposed by BC Ferries, thus losing that cost saving advantage, at what point does BC Ferries allow the "canary to fly into the fan"?
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 9, 2015 10:47:24 GMT -8
Transport Canada just confirmed: "When the ferry is completed, the vessel will be duly certified in accordance with all regulatory requirements. In addition when the ferry is under the cables and ready for operation, as agreed with BC Ferries and considering the specifics of the vessel configuration and operation, Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security inspectors from both the Pacific Region and Headquarters will witness on board practical demonstrations of the crew’s ability to successfully and effectively handle various emergency situations scenarios prescribed by the regulations before determining the final crew requirement." B.C. Ferries could recoup few project dollars if they opened up this 'demonstration' public viewing. Double the price for anyone brave enough to participate in an evacuation exercise. I'd take a gamble on being a guinea pig. Can't wait for this little exercise to unfold.
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 8, 2015 9:18:06 GMT -8
Not that BC Ferries would publically admit, but I'm wondering if there are more than a few folks at Head Office privately having second thoughts about venturing into this project, given the publics' opposition to the cable concept from the beginning? At least two issues; crewing levels and cable quandaries seem to be the 'dark cloud' on the horizon for this entire project.
The NDP's Fast Ferry fiasco may ultimately have historic company?
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 8, 2015 8:39:26 GMT -8
Every once in a while, it's nice to observe "COMMON SENSE" winning out over defeatist attitudes expressed within this thread. I'm sorry to say that I don't think "common sense" enters the picture here. If "common sense" prevailed, we would not see this kind of reaction to a situation that is already way out of control. It was obvious months ago that we were entering a drought and that the fire season would likely be very active. With all due respect to the impressive Martin Mars and her crew, expecting one 70+ year old flying boat to deliver the province from it's current situation does not really seem like "common sense" to me. It seems more like the government is grasping at straws, reacting to a situation that it should have seen coming. If I lived in a burning house that was half a mile away from the nearest fire hall and that fire hall had only one vintage pumper truck available to respond to my crisis, the sound of a siren, even if it was of hand-crank vintage, would be music to my ears. This old pumper truck wouldn't be up to the task of saving a burning city block, but "common sense" says that the truck would be serving a dire immediate need. You are 'spot-on' that the government should NOT have assumed that this years' fire season would be comparable to last years', given the increasing drought conditions brought about in part by record low snowfall levels throughout the province. The province was hoping against hope that maybe they could wriggle through this year with last years' budget, but the serious reality now facing the government forces them to, as you say, grasp at straws. The Coulson Group should have at least been on a standby contract basis. Their airworthy Mars would have been ready to respond should the need arise. If their services weren't called upon this year, fair enough. The cost of the standby contract would have been valuable back-up insurance and seen as good planning. Coulson's aging Mars isn't the answer to many of the fire situations the province faces this year, however hindsight being what it is, the government looks rather inept at having to ring Coulson's doorbell at this stage of the game.
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 7, 2015 6:45:28 GMT -8
Every once in a while, it's nice to observe "COMMON SENSE" winning out over defeatist attitudes expressed within this thread. The BC government's 'fact sheet' does present an unfavourable cost analysis for using the Martin Mars water bomber, fair enough. However, lest the dire nature of the forest fire situation has escaped anyone living in British Columbia at the moment, we are in BIG trouble this year and the government must throw every available resource at the fire monster at hand. Costs be damned! We are not in a Grecian type financial predicament in this province, therefore any debates about "costs" of saving property, lives and resources should cease at least until we have this year's fire season behind us. Yesterday's air quality reading in Vancouver being compared to that of Beijing, was but one indicator of the seriousness of the problem at hand. Shame on the BC Government for having to be dragged via a public poll into deploying the Martin Mars!
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 6, 2015 6:28:53 GMT -8
As we know, this did not come to pass... Alas, the caption is on the back of the clipping (from a Sunday weekend insert in the Times or PI) which is glued to a piece of paper...I was able to hold it up to the light and read through: The old and the new (or at least newer) cover girls are the 28-year-old Sunshine Coast Queen now being acquired from British Columbia Ferries by WSF, possibly for use on the Anacortes-Sidney run...The "old" ferry they refer to is the Virginia V, but that part of the clipping was not included. NOT, following through on purchasing the 'Suzie Q' from BC Ferries should go down in history as one of the smartest moves WSF never made.
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 6, 2015 6:22:30 GMT -8
I had heard somewhere over the week-end that the Martin Mars were no longer being used to fight wild fires. No other details were forthcoming. If they aren't being used just because there is no current contract with the BC government, given the 'Mars' capacity to fight wild fires, why wasn't there a contract for their services in place long before now??? I think we are long past the post in terms of worrying about any fire fighting "budget over-runs". Ya think???
As a native Vancouverite, I have never seen smoky haze hang over the downtown peninsula as thick as I'm seeing this morning.
Here's a link to a BC Govt sheet explaining how they choose which aircraft to use. HERE Thanks for the technical posting Mike. Did a quick scan of it, will do more when time permits. Quickie read aside, wouldn't the Mars be appropriate for fires on Vancouver Island, especially the one in the Port Hardy area? Apparently there's a fire nipping at the edges of Sprout Lake as we speak, fighting that one might make sense? Very interesting read that I'll get back to later today. Thanks again.
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 6, 2015 5:54:13 GMT -8
As a reaction to the current drought and wildfire situation in BC a change.org petition has been started regarding the Martin Mars water bombers. "petitioning Premier of British Columbia Christy Clark Contract the Martin Mars Waterbombers for 5 more years to protect BC effective immediately!" As of 2pm July 5 there are over 8 000 supporters. I had heard somewhere over the week-end that the Martin Mars were no longer being used to fight wild fires. No other details were forthcoming. If they aren't being used just because there is no current contract with the BC government, given the 'Mars' capacity to fight wild fires, why wasn't there a contract for their services in place long before now??? I think we are long past the post in terms of worrying about any fire fighting "budget over-runs". Ya think???
As a native Vancouverite, I have never seen smoky haze hang over the downtown peninsula as thick as I'm seeing this morning.
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 3, 2015 11:51:13 GMT -8
The current appointed CEO of Translink is the man that drafted the Coastal Ferry Act version 1.0, also known as the height of poor transportation management by the BC Liberals. The outcome isn't surprising as others have discussed. Translink in its current form is much like BCFS undemocratic and unaccountable because of a weak provincial government. Adding insult to injury the Minister, Stone, is spewing his usual "it isn't the governments problem" on radio talk shows this afternoon. It seems hard to believe with the current government provincially and senior leadership at Translink that there will be any positive change. A "bulls-eye" piece of prose there 'Dane"! The Liberal government obviously misjudged the public's dislike, distrust, and disdain for Translink. (more accurately Translink's management group)
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 3, 2015 11:41:05 GMT -8
Or the Baynes Sound Connector, towed by SS Master ? ROTFLMAO... And it would fulfill the Minister's statement "The new ferry will be a modern ship with all the modern amenities and fully accessible". Minister Stone's announcement of a "new", "modern amenities", "fully accessible" ship to be deployed on the sad entrails of Route 40, must have come as a bit of a wee surprise to the management 'suits' at BC Ferries. One could forgive the management suits at BCF head office if they were a bit confused as to just what Minister Stone was referring to as: new, modern, and fully accessible. After all, wasn't it BC Ferries mandate to who plan any additions or subtractions from their fleet? (Keeping in mind that it's Uncle Todd who is adding or subtracting the 'zeros amount' on the yearly subsidy cheque, isn't it)? Little wonder we have a messy dysfunctional maritime transportation system on our coast eh?
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Post by Starsteward on Jun 29, 2015 5:00:40 GMT -8
With so many events going on in Vancouver the past couple of weeks, I hadn't heard of the Translink roll-out of their 2 vintage coaches yesterday! Darn it! I would have loved to have taken the old trolly coach as they were good old buses, albeit without the conveniences of ramps etc. that we enjoy today. Too bad Translink didn't roll out their 'Fageol' yellow, B.C. Electric liveried coach as they came before the B.C. Hydro liveried buses. In any event, i's good to see the vintage buses roll every now and again as it acts as a reminder of a very much different Greater Vancouver.
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Post by Starsteward on Jun 28, 2015 8:09:00 GMT -8
Beautiful photo, Jim. The NorEx is a decent little boat... A "tongue-in-cheek" comment no doubt?
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Post by Starsteward on Jun 26, 2015 5:05:04 GMT -8
The latest entry, the electric ferry "Ampere", is in many ways a test vessel and it has suffered some unforeseen hickups over the few months that it has been in service, like insufficient charging while docked, so that it has tended to fall behind schedule or had to skip an odd roundtrip or in worst case entire days due to technical problems. With no replacement vessel available, this has frustrated commercial drivers, who rely on fixed departure times to conduct their business. But things are slowly improving and the last I heard, the Ampere has now worked as a clock for several weeks. As with all new technology, also electric ferries need to undergo a trial period. Since I don't live on the west coast anymore, I'm not able to personally monitor the development, like I used to when I was driving buses and trucks. Here in Oslo, we only have the giant cruise ferries to Denmark and Germany, but those serve an entirely different purpose: Long distance travels for 8-20 hours with international cargo, holiday and recreation in mind, instead of the local transport and highway sealink of the smaller vessels I have described above. I'm just happy if my humble contributions can spark a constructive debate about ferry operations in Canada as well... As a curiosity, I will include the " Color Magic", the world's largest ferry, which along with its slightly smaller sister "Color Fantasy" run between the Norwegian capital and the North German port Kiel. From your report on the new electric powered car ferry, it sounds like the bugs in the new technology are slowly being ironed out. The travelling public is often quick to criticize anything that doesn't run to their full expectations, which is understandable if a ferry traveller is on a daily time schedule. It's never easy bringing new and to some folks way of thinking, 'radical' new technologies into 100% perfect operation right from the start. Electric propulsion is something that BC Ferries could and should be looking at implementing, especially on some the their shorter routes. Stay tuned to hear the howls of dissatisfaction from the users of the new cable ferry, soon to be introduced by BC Ferries. I'm betting that the problems you folks have had with the 'charging' problems etc. will pale by comparison with the problems BC Ferries is about to be faced with.
Your Color Line photos, diagram and write-up are really great to see. I'm quite familiar with some of the Norwegian companies like Color Line, Hertigruten Cruises etc. The ferry-cruise ships like the Color Magic are truly magnificent! Now THAT is a car ferry! Love the bow door design and the sleek overall appearance of those vessels. The interiors of those ships is functionally elegant and the level of passenger service throughout the ship are to be envied. Our Northern route services are but a pale comparison to those operated in Norway. The only way we could sustain a first class operation like that on our West coast would be for services provided by a privately owned company and we could obviously use a much bigger population base from which to draw potential customers.
You may have become aware by now that our Mid-Coastal route that once featured one of Norway's ferry re-treads, (which never really fit the bill here), has been replaced by a vessel that is so totally inadequate that it's embarrassing to all of us. The 'Nimpish's' claim to fame though, as described by our totally inept Minister of Transportation, is that the vessel offers "potable water". What a wonderful passenger amenity to offer knowledgeable overseas visitors that want to explore our beautiful coast which in many ways bears resemblance to Norwegian coastal waters. The only difference is that you guys know how to do it with class! We obviously DO NOT
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Post by Starsteward on Jun 25, 2015 14:53:11 GMT -8
Welcome to the Forum 'jaws', albeit you bring disheartening news about the 'Lomaiviti Princess'. Hopefully Mr. Goundar will find a buyer intent on using the vessel for revenue service, thus delaying the inevitable trip to the ship breakers yard. George Gundar, having worked on the 'QPR', had done his homework before he bought the ship and although he's experienced a few bumps in the road during her service, he must feel that the costs of continual upgrades would be a drag on the bottom line. I doubt that Goundar would be interested in the 'Wack' but perhaps BC Ferries could offer him a great "two-fer" deal. Unload the 'NorAd', at an enticing sale price and throw the 'Wack' in with the provision that the buyer would only be required to pay separate 'shipping and handling charges'
Seriously though, any news on ships that Mr. Goundar has been seen doing any 'tire-kicking', would be much appreciated.
Great to hear that the Islanders love their clean 'Lomaiviti Princess' and are able to view signage that offers a glimpse of her proud heritage!
Starsteward... do you really think a fifty year old vessel with the kind of wear and tear that the ex- QPR has on her should be sailing around the open Pacific? Goundar probably was facing considerable bills to keep her seaworthy. She's had her day; here's hoping she doesn't get pawned off to an operator in an even more impoverished country with even looser standards. Neil ...Yes, the ex-QPR is nudging 50 well-used years, but George Goundar bought a vessel that was, for her age, in very good shape. Sailing her across the Pacific to Fiji in 2011, all went smoothly. Her two-year lay-up at Deas Pacific Marine obviously didn't do too much damage to her operating systems. On April 1st 2009, I did one of her last Rupert- Hardy runs, spending four hours or so on the bridge. The Queen at 43 ran very quietly. She seemed as tight-running a ship as I remembered her to be. Captain Charasz offered up many positive comments about how well her systems ran, although he did mention that under the lipstick and mascara, the old girl did have some historical problems, for example, the abundance of asbestos within the ship would cause new owners problems down the road. The Far East is notorious for running total garbage boats, well past the 50 year mark. I witnessed them in 1972 and they're still at it as of my 2010 visit to that area. Unless the 'Lomaiviti Princess' suffered some major structural damage as a result of 'the loosing her propeller incident' two years ago, or has had other major problems befall her, she would still be considered an 'upgrade' for some impoverished country that operates with questionable standards. While the ex-QPR remains in service with Goundar Shipping, I wouldn't loose any sleep in my Cabin C 21 bunk, down in the Tween-decks, as we sailed "around the open Pacific".
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Post by Starsteward on Jun 25, 2015 5:07:16 GMT -8
Your postings of news, historic items, videos and photos of marine operations in your part of the world have been very enjoyable to view. I have spent hours, sometimes getting so absorbed in the historical stories of the videos and stories that I've lost track of time. While the historical stories and videos are very educational and entertaining, the stories you've brought to this Forum relating to the new technologies and innovations incorporated into both vessel design and operation and also to shore-side operations, provide us B.C. West-Coasters some interesting comparisons to changes being implemented here. For example, the development of an electric powered ferry is most intriguing, which leaves one to wonder if a similar idea has ever crossed the 'minds' of those that are charged with providing ferry services etc. to this part of the world?
Thanks for enlightening us, I for one would welcome your continued participation on this Forum.
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Post by Starsteward on Jun 25, 2015 4:33:02 GMT -8
Well just got some news regarding Ex- QPR now (Lomaivit Princess) she will be up for sale end off year.or going to be scrap.Looks like Goundar made his money.The vessel is always full,pick season she carries 900 pass.The islander love the ferry so clean,you have to take your shoes off when inside of ferry.Carpets very clean you still can see old BC ferry signs onboard Welcome to the Forum 'jaws', albeit you bring disheartening news about the 'Lomaiviti Princess'. Hopefully Mr. Goundar will find a buyer intent on using the vessel for revenue service, thus delaying the inevitable trip to the ship breakers yard. George Gundar, having worked on the 'QPR', had done his homework before he bought the ship and although he's experienced a few bumps in the road during her service, he must feel that the costs of continual upgrades would be a drag on the bottom line. I doubt that Goundar would be interested in the 'Wack' but perhaps BC Ferries could offer him a great "two-fer" deal. Unload the 'NorAd', at an enticing sale price and throw the 'Wack' in with the provision that the buyer would only be required to pay separate 'shipping and handling charges'
Seriously though, any news on ships that Mr. Goundar has been seen doing any 'tire-kicking', would be much appreciated.
Great to hear that the Islanders love their clean 'Lomaiviti Princess' and are able to view signage that offers a glimpse of her proud heritage!
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Post by Starsteward on Jun 23, 2015 5:55:54 GMT -8
Like this, just happens that I needed to be on the other side today, got another driver to snap a photo Welcome to the Forum 'Taverner'. Must say that is a shot of some dandy driving/parking acumen! I'll keep this photo in mind the next time I'm watching someone trying to parallel park a small vehicle in downtown Vancouver, which usually presents a major vehicle handling challenge. I suppose given the age of the 'Coho', any thoughts of giving her a front-load bow door is out of the question?
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