Update on Replacement Vessel

[Political Incorrectness]

Cascade, this information is very helpful but I am curious, will those three be the new northern ferries? Are these just temporary replacements? Are there better vessels out there? May it be worth to wait to get new vessels?

From the Alternative Services, BCF wants to give up the Powell River routes, Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay, and the Northern Routes. I think that the Nissos Mykonos would be a better option and it looks much better than the Sonia.

[Political Incorrectness]

Here is what the Nissos Mykonos. She has no cabins yet the Sonia does, she travels 26.3 knots. I think the problem is the huge capacity that is not necessary.

[hergfest]

Is she a stern loader? She would have too burn lots of fuel at 26.3 knots.

[Political Incorrectness]

Then you can say the same thing about the Sonia too It does not have two ramps on the stern and that is the one thing I can confirm apostolossphotos.fotopic.net/c669429.html cascade do you know where I can find deckplans of the vessel?

[Shipwatcher]

Try this:

www.faktaomfartyg.com/bergen_1993.htm

[ShipWatcher]

If you ask me, I think she is kind of big for the needs required,

[yvr]

Well done Cascade!

Re Glosten Associates. It appears Glosten was hired to cover B.C. Ferries butt. Was it necessary for BCF to do this? Does BCF lack the internal competence to perform a vessel acquisition? If the vessel acquisition turns out to be a mess, you can be sure they'll drag out Glosten's report. Basically Glosten is giving the acquisition process their seal of approval. My second concern - will BCF hire Glosten once more to perform an independent review of the Nisos Mykonos - just to make sure BCF got it right? If they do, and the ship is a lemon you can be sure they'll say Glosten approved it, so it's not our fault. The third concern - was there not a Canadian company who could have provided the same services? No mention from the Ferry Commissioner as to why Glosten was hired over a local company.


As for the Nisos Mykonos, what we have here is another Greek built tub with one loading door at the stern. It appears that she will have to sail at 26 Knots (can you imagine the fuel consumption) just so that she will have adequate time for vehicle loading and unloading before her return voyage.

Perhaps Cascade can dig up some detailed specs on her.

[Political Incorrectness]

You do realize the Sonia could be a lemon too?

[Low Light Mike]

Cascade: thanks for drawing our attention to the annual report to the Ferry-Commissioner: I enjoyed the 77 page report, especially the financial comparison of the routes.

Thanks !

[WettCoast]

Lots of pictures of this vessel [Nissos Mykonos] at this site:

apostolossphotos.fotopic.net/c669429.html

This vessel is far too large, and likely very expensive on fuel and other operating costs. It looks to me to be completely unsuitable as a replacement for the QotN. It is, however, much better looking then the Sonia.

For specs you can check this site: www.ferry-site.dk/ferry.php?id=9208679&lang=en

[Political Incorrectness]

Either way, no option is good yet something has to be done. As graham told me "if WAC knew what was happening, he'd turn in his grave."

[WettCoast]

The best option that I have seen so far is to aquire the Scotia Prince [which is apparently available], or similar vessel, as a charter for a period of three years or so. This would give them the time needed to build 3 vessels taylor made for BC North Coast routes.

[WettCoast]

WAC would not likely appreciate his successors having ferries built in Germany, or for that matter, the replacement of the Dogwood by mating slugs.

[Koastal Karl]

yeah the Scotia Prince would be the closest design to the Queen of the North and is much better looking than some of these other vessels!

[hergfest]

It says the Nissos Mykonos holds 420 cars, that is way too big.

[Political Incorrectness]

I am guessing she has two sets of gallery decks and she is 141 meters long and the V's are 130 meters.

[Retrovision]

cascade said:

Go directly to page 11 and enhance the page so you can read the small print.
I am not sure why they have place these vessel in this order, but look down to number 19 to 21 and you will see are old friends the Pacifcat as a possible replacement for the Queen.

So BC Ferries has placed in order, the following vessels:

1. Nissos Mykonos – 2005
2. Sonia – 2004
3. Atlantic Traveller – 1993

...and yet BCF has now publically stated their preference for the Sonia in a recent press-release reagarding the matter, haven't they?

[oceaneer77]

Atlantic Traveler

Website with Photos
www.simplonpc.co.uk/DFDS_Duchess-of-Scand.html

The vessel was built as the Bergen then became the Duchess of Scandinavia
and very recently became the Atlantic Traveler

It is quite ugly and we can only hope that it will not become the Spirit of Hartley Bay!

As for the nissos mykonos..
What was the capacity difference?
The northern run in the summer if i am not correct was quite busy and even more so before they closed the Tween Deck Cabins to passengers.
could we not use an increase in capacity in this route with rising tourism?
Especially if the vessel is comfortable.
When was the last service increase to the north?

Will post photos of the Atlantic Traveler when i figure out how
thanks
Oceaneer

[oceaneer77]

More on the Bergen/duchess/Atlantic Traveler

www.holidaywatchdog.com/13353-MS_Duchess_of_Scandinavia-MS_Duchess_of_Scandinavia_Cruise_Ship-Holiday-Review.html



MS Duchess of Scandinavia Cruise Ship

The Duchess of Scandinavia, which joined the DFDS Seaways fleet in April 2003 and is one of the most modern and stylish ships. Our onboard facilities are specially centred around one deck, making it easier and quicker to get around. And with a Cinema, 2 Bars, a selection of 3 dining options and outdoor areas, you're sure to find it hard to choose what to do on your overnight crossing.


Hanstholm - Egersund - Haugesund - Bergen (From 17/11-2005)
Building year 1993
Building yard Fosen, Norway
Owner Bergensfjord KS
Operator Fjord Line
Length 134,5 m
Breadth 24,0 m
Draft 5,7 m
GT 16.551
Machinery Sulzer
Speed 20 kn.
Number of passengers 900
Number of beds 559
Number of cars 350
Lanemetres 720
Port of registry København
Flag Denmark
Former names Duchess of Scandinavia (2003-2005) - DFDS Seaways
Bergen (1993-2003) - Fjord Line
Former owners Bergen Nordhordland Rutelag ASA (1993-2004)
Sister ships -
Notes -
www.ferry-site.dk/ferry.php?id=9058995&lang=en

On this site look ath the bow photos she appears to to have a bow visor
www.faktaomfartyg.com/duchess_of_scandinavia_1993_b_8.htm

[Retrovision]

thanks for the hints, 'double-poster'

...Or is this yet another divergence from the norm for the sake of confusion?

Thanks in any case.

[oceaneer77]

Wow Tsawwassenterminal.. what are you on about?
Or what are you smoking?

[Retrovision]

I count myself among the majority in this province, I feel; those who agree that the majority of what goes on behind closed-doors, when speaking of the cabinet of the current provincial government of BC, will never be revealed to the average citizen of this province, which just so happens to be the majority aswell.

[Retrovision]

tsawwassenterminal said:

thanks for the hints, 'double-poster'

...Or is this yet another divergence from the norm for the sake of confusion?

Thanks in any case.

I apologize for how that post of mine may have sounded.

I am deeply disturbed by the current provincial government's tactics, and, as a consequence, I sometimes speak / type without true forethought.

[yvr]

The number 4 and 5 choices for replacement of the QON are the Daliana, and the Milena. Perhaps one of these 1970's vessels should be acquired. The purchase price would be negligible. BCF could use it for the 3 years until the new ships come on line, and then dump it.

[hergfest]

Judging from that list, the Sonia is the best fit sizewise. Although the Atlantic Traveler has the advantage of being the only boat until consideration that has a bow visor. Ugliest boat though.