|
|
Post by tyty on Jun 9, 2006 12:48:35 GMT -8
BC Ferries finds replacement ferry for northern run
VICTORIA (CBC) -- BC Ferries has found a used ferry in Europe that could replace the Queen of the North, which sank in late March off B.C.'s North Coast.
President David Hahn says the vessel would meet most of BC Ferries' requirements, and could be operating by early next year.
Hahn said the negotiations are at a "delicate" stage, but he's optimistic the deal will be completed in the next month.
"Assuming that takes place, we would not take possession of the vessel until, I would say, mid-September, and then it would be available for service around January or early February."
Hahn won't name the seller. But he says the ferry is only three or four years old, and has more cabins than the remaining ferry on the northern route, the Queen of Prince Rupert.
"It's got capacity for vehicles, it's got great capacity for passengers, it's got great speed," he said.
BC Ferries has been using the Queen of Prince Rupert to provide service to both the Queen Charlotte Islands and Prince Rupert this summer.
The busy tourist routes were handled by two ferries last summer, and there have been concerns that the reduced ferry service could hurt tourism in the region.
Hahn says he recognizes it's important for tour operators to be able to advertise that regular two-ferry service will resume next summer.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues into the sinking of the Queen of the North, which claimed the lives of two passengers.
|
|
Neil
Voyager 
Posts: 7,307
|
Post by Neil on Jun 9, 2006 12:54:51 GMT -8
Great news! September delivery isn't bad, either. Can't wait to see what it is. It'll probably be something quite different from anything we've ever had here.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ferryman on Jun 9, 2006 13:35:37 GMT -8
Yeah, absolutely great news! It sounds like it's the MV Sonia, that they're after. Delivery in September sounds alot sooner than I thought it would be. But we'll still have to wait and see exactly what happens.
|
|
|
|
Post by NMcKay on Jun 9, 2006 13:37:39 GMT -8
great. let the BC FERRIES CRUISESHIP season begin, starting 2007
|
|
Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
|
Post by Koastal Karl on Jun 9, 2006 13:54:35 GMT -8
That is great news! I cant wait to see what the ship looks like!
|
|
|
|
Post by Mike C on Jun 9, 2006 14:08:06 GMT -8
Sweet. You know where to find me next summer...
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott (Former Account) on Jun 9, 2006 16:21:33 GMT -8
It's the Sonia...  |
|
|
|
Post by Retrovision on Jun 9, 2006 16:42:35 GMT -8
"d'oh"
|
|
Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
|
Post by Koastal Karl on Jun 9, 2006 16:51:41 GMT -8
Not as nice as the North but that would be pretty hard to find a ship and I doubt right now the first thing they want is appearance, lol! But any different ship will be interesting to see here on the West Coast. Maybe I can now do the Inside Passage next summer!
|
|
|
|
Post by Political Incorrectness on Jun 9, 2006 16:55:06 GMT -8
Next year I am betting is when BC Ferries makes the decision on who to go for replacement vessels for the Northern routes.
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott (Former Account) on Jun 9, 2006 17:45:12 GMT -8
So, I guess we will probably be expecting to see this on our coast soon... ;D  |
|
Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
|
Post by Koastal Karl on Jun 9, 2006 18:13:25 GMT -8
Actually she dosent look all that bad really! Looks kinda neat! ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Curtis on Jun 9, 2006 20:03:42 GMT -8
EXCELLENT!!!!!!!
It's great that we found a replacement almost 3 months after she sunk I think the forward windows will look different though otherwise she is a pretty good looking ship. better than the Queen of Chilliwack
I guess I should announce something that may intrest you The school Band Trip Next Year Could take me on the Inside Passage Route and maybe the Queen Charlottes this is just in the planning stage so far But If it goes on I'm F****** Stoked (P.S. Sorry for the Swer)
|
|
|
|
Post by WettCoast on Jun 9, 2006 20:49:05 GMT -8
The scant detail given above in the CBC news item does indeed point toward the Sonia as being the QotN's replacement. I do not think that it is in any way a beauty like its predecessor. Comparing it with the Q of Chilliwack is, however, reasonable. And in keeping with BCFS's new found excellence in choosing ship names I propose that they hounour their relationship with their union by naming the ship ....  |
|
|
|
Post by Mike C on Jun 9, 2006 20:55:26 GMT -8
A truly, excellent, name togo along with our Super C's. (Now I know what the C stands for: Crappy names)
|
|
Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
|
Post by Koastal Karl on Jun 9, 2006 21:28:32 GMT -8
Queen of the North was a beautiful ship! You wont find another one like her!!
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,307
|
Post by Neil on Jun 9, 2006 21:56:39 GMT -8
Starbucks Queen should be happy: this thing kind of has the Kalakala's rear end. But I'm still hoping you guys are wrong, and it's not the Sonia. Too few windows, for one thing.
|
|
|
|
Post by hergfest on Jun 9, 2006 22:10:46 GMT -8
Is the Sonia a Ro-Ro? Doesn't look like the bow goes up, but then again the pic is kinda far back. Also, how fast is she?
|
|
|
|
Post by Quinsam on Jun 9, 2006 22:14:42 GMT -8
Wonder what she will be called, is she the permanant replacement or just a spare ship until some new ones are created?
|
|
|
|
Post by Political Incorrectness on Jun 9, 2006 22:26:33 GMT -8
I wonder, I heard somewhere the Coastal *Crap* Scooper.
|
|
|
|
Post by hergfest on Jun 9, 2006 23:45:13 GMT -8
Has anyone been able to find any info on this ship? A google search did almost nothing for me.
|
|
|
|
Post by Retrovision on Jun 10, 2006 7:38:58 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by Quinsam on Jun 10, 2006 7:59:20 GMT -8
Sorta like a mix of a Spirit Class with a German vessel.
|
|
Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
|
Post by Koastal Karl on Jun 10, 2006 8:28:41 GMT -8
I am sure BC Ferries would probably be refitting her! Hopefully they would put in some more windows! The portholes at the front look like those could be cabin areas!
|
|
|
|
Post by Jca Christian on Jun 10, 2006 10:00:02 GMT -8
David Hahn indicated on Cknw earlier this week that all Refitt work to this vessle will be done in Europe. Two problems this particular vessle has in fitting our docks is:
A: There is no Bow doors (Visor). How will she fit into Port Hardy and Skedigate?
B: I believe the stern has 2 ramps, side by side, so the stern will need some work done also.
|
|
