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Post by Curtis on Jul 6, 2006 17:16:48 GMT -8
Watching Global TV News a few minutes ago they were talking about the Tourism since the Queen of the North sank then they said something about the replacement that it was in Spain and would be announced in about two weeks time
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Post by Ferryman on Jul 6, 2006 17:20:44 GMT -8
I just saw the same thing....
Global BC said the new ferry is coming from Europe, and was in the final transaction stages, and should hopefully be in service as early as March 2007. Approximately a year after the North sank obviously.
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Neil
Voyager 
Posts: 7,307
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Post by Neil on Jul 6, 2006 19:08:52 GMT -8
CTV news said that an announcement could be made within two weeks, that it was a Spanish ferry (probably the Sonia), and that the ferry might be delivered, as opposed to being in service, by March. If Global said it would actually be in service by then, hopefully they're right, although that sounds way too optimistic, given the alterations that will probably be necessary.
Hahn had previously said he hoped for the delivery by this fall.
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Post by yvr on Jul 7, 2006 7:55:20 GMT -8
So they're almost admitting the new ferry is the Sonia. One has to love how they call it a Spanish ferry. I believe they are afraid to say it was actually built at a third rate GREEK shipyard!!!
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Post by Retrovision on Jul 9, 2006 15:40:06 GMT -8
So they're almost admitting the new ferry is the Sonia. One has to love how they call it a Spanish ferry. I believe they are afraid to say it was actually built at a third rate GREEK shipyard!!! ...And spent how many years under construction?  |
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Post by yvr on Jul 11, 2006 12:14:12 GMT -8
On the 5 pages of this thread there are links to various sites regarding the Sonia. Two links show she was indeed built in Greece, and that she's had various operators, ranging from Italy to Trinidad. The scary one is, the Greeks took 4 years to build her. Like I said earlier in this thread - who is the Atsalakis Shipyard, google search's provided negligible results. Check the links, and look at Sonia's construction photo's - certainly not the way we would build her!
It has been over a month since BC Ferries announced they'd found a replacement. With no updates since that announcement, it can only mean there are difficulties in negotiations. The vendor knows BCF desperately needs the vessel, thus - we're going to pay to much for her. But heh, it's B.C. - it's a ferry - and that can only mean one thing - we're goin get screwed.
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Post by WettCoast on Jul 11, 2006 22:21:31 GMT -8
I have just returned from my southern vacation to Vancouver, Victoria, and the Island - north literally all the way to Cape Scott. Then a ferry trip home via Bella Coola on the Q of Chilliwack. BCF crew & employees are mentioning the Sonia by name. More info on the Sonia is contained in the linked images below...   She will require extensive modifications to fit BCF terminals, or the terminals will need extensive modifications, or both. I expect BCF will take possession of her in the fall, then several months and $10 to 20 million will be needed for modifications. March would seem to be a reasonable guess at the earliest that she could be in service. |
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Post by yvr on Jul 12, 2006 18:30:18 GMT -8
The yard went bust, and the owner murdered. Oh - the story gets better! So what was wrong with the Sonia to prompt this? Perhaps Cascade can be persuaded to divulge more of his privileged information.
From a photo of the Sonia on page 5, the IMO number is evident. That number is IMO 9257735. A google search of that number will lead you to the Trinidad and Tobago Hansard of Friday January 14th, 2005. On pages 47 and 48 there is more interesting dirt. This ferry is on it's fifth name, and has flown the flag of 3 different countries. Ownership and management change faster than your shorts.
What's wrong with the SONIA? Why does nobody want her? Why did the yard go bust, and the owner murdered? Questions only the press can get answers for. Perhaps these questions should be answered before we sign on the dotted line - Mr. Hahn.
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Post by Political Incorrectness on Jul 12, 2006 18:33:16 GMT -8
Mr. Hahn has the right to keep everything closed doors due to the fact that BCF is private. this vessel may end up being a lemon? Looks like it better not be coming here, the money maybe worth what you are getting it for after-all.
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,307
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Post by Neil on Jul 12, 2006 21:56:23 GMT -8
yvr- ease up on the panic button, there. In the volatile recent history of the ship building industry, a lot of firms have gone out of business- some, quite reputable, and some right here in BC. It doesn't mean that everything they built was junk.
Ships can also change ownership while under construction, and if chartered out, can fly a succession of flags, depending on where they are.
The Sonia has not had a spotless operational record in the West Indies, but let's assume, just for the moment, that Mickey Mouse is not heading the BC Ferries purchasing team, and that they've done their due diligence on the ship they're acquiring.
We still don't know that it's the Sonia they're buying, but assuming it is, let's not freak out over a scrap of information that may be much more a molehill than a mountain.
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Post by WettCoast on Jul 13, 2006 16:36:18 GMT -8
The Sonia is mentioned by name and photo in the press...  No, not CanWest Global, but it is the Queen Charlotte Islands Observer |
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Post by NMcKay on Jul 13, 2006 20:20:18 GMT -8
im gonna guess someone from this board?? or a ships crew?
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Post by Balfour on Jul 13, 2006 21:02:56 GMT -8
I have a strange feeling that Kyle Fosset sent that photo, but who knows...
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,307
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Post by Neil on Jul 16, 2006 8:45:34 GMT -8
I think David Hahn would have to have the ability to grow horseshoes up the you-know-where in order to get a 'bargain' on this deal- given that all the sellers knew the dire predicament BC Ferries was in, and what their time frame was.
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Post by yvr on Jul 19, 2006 13:20:27 GMT -8
"Cascade" has given us deeper insight as to the Sonia. It appears that Sonia's MAK engines are not a favoured brand of propulsion. According to information on previous pages the main engines are MAK 16M52C. When you check MAK's web site for engines in and out of production, that particular model is not listed. If you do a google search with that model number, the only hit is (you guessed it) - the "Sonia". So perhaps this vessel is fitted with the only one ever produced!!
Regarding the Greek shipyard's loss of classification - perhaps Cascade would be good enough to provide further details, as to the significance of this item. I believe everyone on this forum agrees that the purchase price, cost of surveys, and major modifications (windows large enough to see out of - and perhaps a solarium). Will bring the final cost of the Sonia to hideous heights.
Also does Cascade have information as to what BCF's second choice of vessel might be.
Cascade - Keep up the good work on this subject. Please keep in touch wiith your contacts re any further information pertaining to the Sonia.
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Jul 19, 2006 16:01:54 GMT -8
Interesting to hear that model of MaK engines used on the Sonia are not a favored model of propulsion motor...
BCFS has German MaK engines on all C and V class ships - and while not the same model they have been proven to be EXTREMELY reliable... The new Super-C's will also be running with MaK engines...
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Post by WettCoast on Jul 19, 2006 17:48:05 GMT -8
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Post by Dane on Sept 15, 2006 16:31:43 GMT -8
So it sounds like the Sonia was bought out from under BC Ferries because they were taking so long? That's strictly unsubstantiated rumour, and news of late?
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Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 17, 2006 12:43:31 GMT -8
So the soap-opera of speculation continues......
I'm still eager to hear confirmation of what BC has done......assuming that they've actually finalsed a replacement vessel acquisition.
As Yoda would say, "Patience..."
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Post by Curtis on Sept 18, 2006 10:31:56 GMT -8
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Post by Scott on Sept 18, 2006 10:40:53 GMT -8
Awesome! Finally we have a new ferry!  I can't wait to see what kind of modifications they make on her. Interesting item on News1130's website.. probably related to this: Ferry fast tracked for northern routes
September 18, 2006 - 10:35 am
By: Nicole McCormick
B.C. taxpayers are kicking in millions of dollars to fast track a brand new ferry for northern routes, replacing the Queen of the North which sank last March. The B.C. Liberals have amended the service contract with British Columbia Ferry Services Inc., boosting the 2007 service payment by about $14 million. The extra money will also allow the company to make upgrades to its terminals and have the replacement vessel in service by next year's tourist season.
It will also speed up the process of designing and building a new, larger ferry for its northern routes. Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon says the company will be able to move up the timeline by about a year. By 2009, two ferries will be operating, including a newly purchased vessel and a newly-built vessel. |
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Post by Curtis on Sept 18, 2006 10:44:54 GMT -8
Well that only leaves the Wack to be replaced.
On a intresting note the BCF Article says they will modify the Stern to fit in BCF Docks
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Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 18, 2006 10:51:48 GMT -8
Finally, some real official stuff (although it's dangerous to put too much faith in the spin created by BCFS and their news release careful-wording).
Let me see what they appear to be saying:
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"BC Ferries has reached an agreement for the purchase of a two-year old vessel currently named the MV Sonia, to replace the Queen of the North."
- that sounds pretty clear, re the question of lease vs buy. Re the "to replace the QotN", this still leaves it unclear if we are getting 2 more newbuild vessels, or just 1 more, or 3 more??
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"The vessel will undergo approximately $18 million in modifications this winter to improve customer amenities and meet safety requirements to operate in Canadian waters."
- So let the bidding begin for the refit work, and the probable policital controversy about who gets awarded the work...
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"As part of the process, the ship will be reflagged and renamed, and is expected to enter service next spring, in time to relieve the Queen of Prince Rupert for its annual refit."
- Karl, this gives you some clues on when to book some time off-work, so you can get on that first trip!
- I suppose that the new name has already been chosen by those with marketing-degrees.
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"These vessels will bring a whole new level of service to BC Ferries’ northern routes."
- I eagerly await detail on what this really means. Is it just re more staterooms, or a disco-hall, or does it just mean "more capacity" and "faster speed".
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Next point of speculation: What will they do with her big rear-end?
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Post by Scott on Sept 18, 2006 11:19:04 GMT -8
A two year old vessel... she's probably going to be around for a while. So cancel at least one of the new northern vessels.
An $18 million dollar refit done before next Spring. I'm thinking that will be going offshore. Hope I'm wrong.
"A whole new level of service"
- That sounds like "spin" to me:) She's not even as big as the Queen of the North, is she? Maybe instead of "service" they meant to say "safety", as I'm assuming the Sonia doesn't have the single compartment problem that the Queen of the North had.
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Post by Retrovision on Sept 18, 2006 11:19:17 GMT -8
(From: www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2006/18/c7185.html )
© 2005 CNW Group Ltd. BC Ferries purchases replacement vessel for the Queen of the North Vessel expected to be in service by spring 2007 VICTORIA, Sept. 18 /CNW/ - BC Ferries has reached an agreement for the purchase of a two-year old vessel currently named the MV Sonia, to replace the Queen of the North. The deal, worth 35.7 million Euros or approximately $50.6 million Cdn, will see BC Ferries taking ownership of the vessel in the next few weeks. The 117 metre ship has 70 state rooms and will accommodate over 600 passengers and 101 vehicles. The vessel underwent extensive surveys by the BMT Group, a world-leading naval architect firm, as well as a team of BC Ferries personnel. The vessel is currently operating out of Barcelona, Spain. "We are extremely pleased to acquire this ship so that full service can be restored for the summer of 2007 to the north coast," said David L. Hahn, BC Ferries' President and CEO. "This acquisition sends a clear message to the global tourism industry that BC Ferries' Inside Passage route will be open for business next year." The vessel will undergo approximately $18 million in modifications this winter to improve customer amenities and meet safety requirements to operate in Canadian waters. As part of the process, the ship will be reflagged and renamed, and is expected to enter service next spring, in time to relieve the Queen of Prince Rupert for its annual refit. Just last month, BC Ferries announced that a contract has been awarded to construct a new vessel to replace the Queen of Prince Rupert. This ship is expected to enter service in the spring of 2009. These vessels will bring a whole new level of service to BC Ferries' northern routes. << MV Sonia VESSEL SPECIFICATIONS --------------------------------------------- MV Sonia --------------------------------------------- Year Build 2004 --------------------------------------------- Gross Tonnage 9,925 --------------------------------------------- Length Overall 117 metres --------------------------------------------- Breadth 20 metres --------------------------------------------- Depth 7.2 metres --------------------------------------------- Maximum Draft 4.7 metres --------------------------------------------- Engine Output 16,000 kW at 750 rpm --------------------------------------------- No. of Passengers 600+ --------------------------------------------- No. of Vehicles 101 --------------------------------------------- No. of Cabins 70 --------------------------------------------- Speed 20.3 knots --------------------------------------------- Damage Stability Two compartment --------------------------------------------- Ship modification work to be undertaken includes: - Mechanical work on main engines and auxiliary systems - Hull painting - Change to Canadian registry - Modification to stern ramp to become compatible with BC Ferries' docks - Electrical upgrades - Heating and lighting modifications - New lifejackets, fire hoses and monitoring cameras - Car deck upgrades to accommodate higher loading capacity - Steel work including installation of a rubbing strake - Expansion and reconfiguration of galley and food service area - New seating - Expansion of washrooms - Relocation and expansion of giftshop - Expanding and upgrading crew common areas
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I can't wait to see what kind of modifications they make on her.