Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,078
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Post by Nick on Jan 21, 2009 14:45:37 GMT -8
Well, it's official. Queen of New Westminster will replace the Spirit of BC starting February 2nd. ===================================================== The Spirit of British Columbia will be out of service on the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route for its annual refit from Monday, February 2 through Thursday, March 12, inclusive. During this refit period, the smaller Queen of New Westminster will be the replacement vessel. To avoid possible overloads at peak sailing times, customers are encouraged to plan ahead by making a reservation or by arriving early at the terminal for their desired sailing. In particular, the first sailings of the day from Tsawwassen are expected to be busy. BC Ferries looks forward to returning the Spirit of British Columbia to service on Thursday, March 12. www.bcferries.com/bcfservicenotice?id=85010
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Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,886
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Post by Mill Bay on Jan 21, 2009 15:24:44 GMT -8
Now we know what was going on... I never thought it would be weather related, and it turns out it was mechanical issues once again.
Here's what happened:
Updated: B.C. Ferries faces repair woes By Joanne Hatherly, Victoria Times Colonist January 21, 2009 3:05 PM Ferry traffic backed up for the second day in a row when repairs to one ship took longer than expected and a second ship sent in to replace it developed propeller problems.
The Spirit of British Columbia had made only one round-trip between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen Tuesday morning when the engine mechanism that controls speed failed. That vessel has been running on only three of its four engines since another engine failed in 2008.
At 5 p.m., the Queen of Vancouver took over the Spirit’s schedule, however, it was unable to continue with today’s early morning sailings due to a propeller problem that occurred while it was being transported overnight.
Consequently, both Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen ferry terminals did not have 7 a.m. sailings today.
The Queen of New Westminster was not available as it is still undergoing a $50 million refit. The Coastal Celebration is already on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay run as it is replacing the Spirit of Vancouver Island, which is also being refitted.
Despite the number of problems Spirit of B.C. has encountered with canceled and delayed sailings, B.C. Ferries will not move up its annual refit, which is scheduled to take place February 2 to March 12, because the vessel’s crankshaft, which is the source of the mechanical problems, is currently being manufacturered and isn’t expected to be delivered until April.
The smaller Queen of New Westminster will fill in for the Spirit of B.C. during its refit.
The cancellations caused ferry traffic to be backed up until 11 a.m. this morning.
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Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,078
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Post by Nick on Jan 21, 2009 15:30:52 GMT -8
Umm, something doesn't compute. SOBC is in refit from February 2nd to March 12th, but the crankshaft to fix the problematic engine isn't due until April? I was under the impression this refit was, among other things, supposed to fix the engine?
Anybody else as confused as I am?
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CFG
Deckhand
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
Posts: 64
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Post by CFG on Jan 21, 2009 16:57:56 GMT -8
I was listening to David Hahn on the radio yesterday, and while commenting on the disruption yesterday, he said that the SoBC would go in for it's normal refit and then come back into service for a while (i'm assuming spring break) and then go back out in April to have the engine issues dealt with. It makes sense to me because they don't need to have it in drydock in order to fix the engines, and they would have had the drydock booked for the spirits back-to-back.
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Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,078
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Post by Nick on Jan 21, 2009 17:39:25 GMT -8
Yeah, that makes sense. I don't think all of the refit period is spent in drydock (usually only 3 weeks or so are required), but it makes sense that they would book the drydock in one large chunk rather than 2 smaller ones, especially since it's not really a big surprise where it's going, as there's only one dry dock around that will fit them.
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Post by Hardy on Jan 21, 2009 23:16:03 GMT -8
What is going on over at Route 1. This is a total mess. Weather related? [smarta$$] There has been a fire on the support structures of the Patullo Bridge, and the Bridge is therefore closed indefinately. Please note that as this will disrupt traffic patterns in Metro Vancouver, we will also be scheduling delays, vessel breakdowns, operational problems and weather issues aboard BC Ferries systemwide on a rotating basis to further throw a monkey wrench into transportation throughout the Metro Vancouver region. [/smarta$$]
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Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,886
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Post by Mill Bay on Jan 22, 2009 16:03:34 GMT -8
Alas that the world is so rarely as we would make it be... but how boring it would be if all this modern technology and transportation infrastructure worked flawlessly, harmoniously together...? [smarta$$] There has been a fire on the support structures of the Patullo Bridge, and the Bridge is therefore closed indefinitely. Please note that as this will disrupt traffic patterns in Metro Vancouver, we will also be scheduling delays, vessel breakdowns, operational problems and weather issues aboard BC Ferries systemwide on a rotating basis to further throw a monkey wrench into transportation throughout the Metro Vancouver region. [/smarta$$]
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Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,078
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Post by Nick on Jan 23, 2009 12:40:57 GMT -8
SKIDEGATE DOCK ON QUEEN CHARLOTTES RE-OPENS TWO WEEKS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE $30 million dock upgrades at four northern terminals now complete VICTORIA – BC Ferries is pleased to announce that with the re-opening of its dock at the Skidegate terminal on the Queen Charlotte Islands today, which is two weeks ahead of schedule, the $30 million dock upgrade project at its four northern terminals is now substantially complete. In order to replace aging assets and upgrade the marine structures to accommodate the new northern vessel, the Northern Expedition, berth modifications were required at Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, Skidegate and McLoughlin Bay. These berths are now standardized with a floating pontoon and ramp arrangement, designed to accommodate square-sterned vessels. The berths also conform to the ISO international standard for roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessels. “This is the largest berth upgrade project BC Ferries has ever undertaken which underscores our investment and our commitment to the north,” said Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Engineering. “These are now the most modern ferry berths in Canada and, along with the two new ships, the Northern Expedition and the Northern Adventure, this major project prepares our northern routes for another 40 years of service.” A short-term closure was required at each one of the four berths in order to complete the work. The project was designed to allow a significant amount of on-site work to be conducted while the berths remained operational, as it was essential to engineer the project with the least disruption to the communities. Off-site fabrication of the new pontoons, ramps and other steelwork started almost one year prior to the first berth closure. Because no other dock on the Queen Charlotte Islands could accommodate the Queen of Prince Rupert, ferry service was temporarily suspended during the Skidegate dock closure. BC Ferries worked with local transportation and freight operators to ensure the flow of people, goods and services to and from the Queen Charlotte Islands. This included twice-weekly flights and a barge service assisted in the delivery of essential items such as groceries, mail and commercial freight. Meanwhile, the Northern Expedition will depart Germany next week bound for British Columbia and the new vessel is expected to arrive in early March. The vessel is scheduled to enter service on BC Ferries’ Port Hardy – Prince Rupert route mid-May. ======================================= www.bcferries.com/bcferries/faces/attachments?id=85207
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Post by Mike C on Jan 25, 2009 15:56:53 GMT -8
The 1600 Queen of Vancouver sailing to Tsawwassen has been cancelled...
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Post by Scott on Jan 25, 2009 15:59:48 GMT -8
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Post by hwy19man on Jan 25, 2009 16:38:32 GMT -8
With this latest incident, the Q of Van is having some hot flashes.
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Post by Northern Exploration on Jan 25, 2009 16:42:46 GMT -8
I think Chris just got a song if he decides to do a Vancouver Tribute .
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Post by hwy19man on Jan 25, 2009 16:44:35 GMT -8
The 1600 Queen of Vancouver sailing to Tsawwassen has been cancelled... The 1800h sailing has been cancelled as well.
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Post by hwy19man on Jan 30, 2009 14:06:51 GMT -8
Langdale is going to flip when they see their beloved Queen of Surrey on another route, I wonder how Sunshine Coast residents are doing right now riding the Q of Coquitlam over the last three weeks? Hopefully, they are not suffering through withdrawl. Imagine if the Surrey has to stay out longer, batten down the hatches and\or put oxygen tanks on board for the confused hyperventilating commuters.
I say this because when else is there a service notice for a very similar ship replacement on routes 2 and 3? ;D
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Post by Nickfro on Feb 2, 2009 11:27:27 GMT -8
Service Notice - Possible Sailing Overloads Posted Wednesday, January 21, 2009 POSSIBLE OVERLOADS Port McNeill – Alert Bay – Sointula Due to recent Transport Canada changes affecting the ship’s license and the number of passengers that can be carried, BC Ferries is advising customers that there may be overloads during peak periods, such as holidays and special events. BC Ferries appreciates your understanding during these busy periods and asks that you plan your travels accordingly. This may include travelling during off-peak hours to avoid delays. ______________________________________________________________________ I don't know where to find the information, but what is the revised passenger-to-crew capacity on this route now? Sounds like something very similar to what the Kwuna is encountering, just without the media attention. After all, both ferries ( Kwuna, QQII) have a similar vehicle count. What are these new regulations going to do for the routes? Does this mean BCF should build more ferries like the Nimpkish since they aren't allowed to carry nearly the amount of passengers that the existing ferries are designed for?? ;D I really don't understand these new TC regulations and the true necessity for implementing them.
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Post by ferrytraveller on Feb 2, 2009 13:51:03 GMT -8
The qq2 licience has been reduced due to new transport canada safe manning regulations. They need more crew to run with the old passenger counts or existing crew profiles to run with new passenger counts! All minor runs are affected. Major vessels are ok cause they usually have more crew then require by TC.
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Post by DENelson83 on Feb 2, 2009 15:23:53 GMT -8
www.bcferries.com/bcfservicenotice?id=86249Service Notice - Spirit of British Columbia Vessel Replacement Posted Monday, February 2, 2009 Note: This Service Notice applies to the following route(s): - Vancouver (Tsawwassen) - Victoria (Swartz Bay) The Spirit of British Columbia will be out of service on the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route for regular maintenance and safety inspections from Thursday, February 5 through Thursday, March 12, inclusive. During this period, a smaller vessel will operate on the route. To avoid possible overloads at peak sailing times, customers are encouraged to plan ahead by making a reservation or by arriving early at the terminal for their desired sailing. In particular, the first sailings of the day from Tsawwassen are expected to be busy. The replacement vessel will be sailing on the following schedule: Leave Tsawwassen 7:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Leave Swartz Bay 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. BC Ferries looks forward to returning the Spirit of British Columbia to service on Friday, March 13. My comment: I hope they repair or replace that broken engine this time.
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Post by landlubber on Feb 2, 2009 15:29:04 GMT -8
Smaller Vessel?
Vancouver? New Westminster?
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Post by DENelson83 on Feb 2, 2009 15:29:32 GMT -8
In this case, it will be the Queen of Vancouver.
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Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,886
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Post by Mill Bay on Feb 2, 2009 15:32:20 GMT -8
In this case, it will be the Queen of Vancouver.More likely it will be Queen of Vancouver. for a couple weeks, or so, until the New West gets her problems sorted out and then the New West will take over.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 9, 2009 17:25:21 GMT -8
The New West is scheduled to take over on the 20th.
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Post by Nickfro on Feb 10, 2009 11:36:52 GMT -8
The New West is scheduled to take over on the 20th. So it's changed again from what they were showing on the resso page today? If so, oh well, more time for the Vancouver in service!
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Post by DENelson83 on Feb 10, 2009 15:40:25 GMT -8
www.bcferries.com/bcfservicenotice?id=86929Service Notice - Service Suspended - Powell River/Texada Posted Tuesday, February 10, 2009 Note: This Service Notice applies to the following route(s): - Powell River (Westview) - Texada (Blubber Bay)
Updated at 12:30 pm Please be advised that the North Island Princess is suspending service until further notice. For updated information please feel free to call toll free 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779). We apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result of this service suspension.
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Post by Curtis on Feb 10, 2009 17:09:43 GMT -8
www.bcferries.com/bcfservicenotice?id=86929Service Notice - Service Suspended - Powell River/Texada Posted Tuesday, February 10, 2009 Note: This Service Notice applies to the following route(s): - Powell River (Westview) - Texada (Blubber Bay)
Updated at 12:30 pm Please be advised that the North Island Princess is suspending service until further notice. For updated information please feel free to call toll free 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779). We apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result of this service suspension. I've heard a bit about what happened. Apparently there was something stuck in one of the props. So they sent divers down to get it out. She's back in service now.
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Post by Coastal Canuck on Feb 17, 2009 19:26:47 GMT -8
Service Notice - Queen of Capilano Replacement Posted Monday, February 16, 2009 Print Version Note: This Service Notice applies to the following route(s): - Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) - Bowen Island (Snug Cove)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Queen of Capilano will be out of service on the Horseshoe Bay –
Bowen Island route from Wednesday, February 18 until Sunday, March 29 for scheduled maintenance.
During this period, the Bowen Queen will be the replacement vessel. Because this is a smaller vessel than the Queen of Capilano, some overloads may occur at peak sailing times. Where possible, passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and consider car pooling, travelling outside of peak sailing times and/or arriving at the terminal early for their desired sailing.
During the Queen of Capilano’s refit, BC Ferries is offering a reduced $10 parking rate at Horseshoe Bay for Bowen Island residents. The reduced rate is intended to help offset expected overloads while the smaller Bowen Queen is the replacement vessel.
To park at the reduced 24 hour rate, Bowen Island residents must purchase the “Bowen Island Resident” parking option at the Horseshoe Bay Switchboard. Proof of Bowen Island residency is required.
BC Ferries looks forward to the Queen of Capilano returning to service on Monday, March 30.
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