the third northren vessel???

[oceaneer77]

The Chili is to be replaced but i have not heard anything on this......
Any news out there?
Will the vessel be bigger/ more accomidations and comfort... possibly some speed as well?

I think that BC ferries is missing the mark with the increase in tourism and the northren services presently offerd.

Thanks
Oceaneer77

[Low Light Mike]

The last thing I heard was last month when they released the new naming-scheme, re "Northern Discovery".

I haven't heard anything since. Dane mentioned on another thread today that it would still need to go to tender, and it hasn't yet.

re the missing the mark comment:
- are you referring to fact that they only have 1 1960's vessel (QPR), a 1970's slow Norwegian vessel (Chillywack), and a sunken Queen of the North?
- If so, then they missed the mark 10-15 years ago, when they didn't start a newbuild program for the north. Today's vessel shortage is partly the result of decisions of yester-year.
- However, if you look at the losses on Route-40 (Discovery Coast), you could say that they've missed out on bigger losses.

[Curtis]

From what I know I believe that we'll be hearing something involving that before March.
And Probably it will be around the Same size as the Queen of Chilliwack is probably with better features.

Wouldn't be surprised if we ended up with a brand new Queen of Chilliwack Look-Alike, just not a total eyesore.

[WettCoast]

The Chilliwack replacement needs to have the following qualities:

• Faster - at least 18 knots cruising speed
  
• Ability to use all mid coast berthing facilities such as Klemtu, Shearwater, Bella Coola, etc.
  
• Better set up for over night accomodation
  
• Able to serve on the Inside Passage & QCI routes as a replacement vessel (which the Chilliwack could not do). This means able to cross Hecate Strait in at least the conditions that the QPR sails in.
  

Also, with better speed, could expand its route to include Hartley Bay and maybe even Kitimat.