Cheap American Ferries ?

[cascade]

So why does it cost so much for BC Ferries to get new vessels.

On the Powell River route they have budgeted $90m for a 120 cars 600 PAX vessels - well it appears the Yanks can do a lot better.

OK - I understand there is massive amounts of Federal and State aid ect given


Sunday, September 18, 2005

Third Staten Island Ferry Delivered

From the New York Times (www.nytimes.com)

The Spirit of America has arrived in New York City. The new $40 million ferry is the last of three new 4,500-passenger boats replacing even older Staten Island ferries. The ferry began its journey at the Marinette Marine Corporation's shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin on August 25. The newcomer is part of a $400 million project that includes not only the three new ferries, but also the reconstruction of the Whitehall ferry terminal in Manhattan, which was badly damaged by a fire in 1991.

[Scott]

Here's some photos and stats:

www.siferry.com/Spirit%20of%20America.htm

Anyone ever been on one of the Staten Island ferries?

[SS San Mateo]

I ran the $90m through a currency converter to see what it was in US dollars... came up with slightly over $77 million.

The new ferries can carry cars as do the one they're replacing (the other 2 classes of SI ferries are passenger only), but currently cars aren't allowed on the SI ferries (has been that way since the 9/11 attacks).

-- LB

[Doug]

It's kind of like my brother and I...he always gets the deals and I always get ripped off or have to pay the full price. Him being the Yanks and me being the Canadians. Let's face it, the Americans get deals on everything and yet their government is STILL in dept of what? Was it $7 trillion? I don't hate the Americans, but they are full of greed.

[Political Incorrectness]

hey Doug maybe you should look at someone else here besides me and LB I know a canadian who is greedy

[Doug]

MOST Americans are greedy, and you probably will too as you get older...can't say there isn't a little anger in you right now.

[cascade]

Guy's under the Jones Act - that is in America - they have for years protected there ship building business.

Now anyone in international Shipping - they go "overseas" to have there vessels built - which in turn has done what ? increase the economy of that country - with hard currency - dollars.

WMG - are having ALL there container ship's built in China - why not have them built in there own yards - back in BC - and why hasn't the press got on there backs about the orders - worth Billions of $ gone outside the Province. BC Ferries placed there order oversea - again due to lack competition in our own ship yards - which is caused by the Jones Act and our own 25% tax on new vessels coming into Canadian Waters.

Yes the Americans get a lot of State and federal funding - discounts on funding rates - discounts on labour cost - material discounts - which in turn can reduce the overall cost by 28 to 35% - plus the Jones Act - makes it near impossible for a "overseas" yard - as there is a heavy tax to pay also.

What makes me laugh - is the Americans stand up in Washington - to complain against the "cheap" imports - and cheap labour cost in an oversea yard - and that government have helped in funding the deal. They make as much available to the shipyards - in fact more so - than overseas yards.

There is the on going debate about Boeing and Airbus on the type of Grants each firm gets from there governments. We want to fly - so who builds the best and cheapest plane gets the order - government get there "investment" back through airport taxes and employees - corp taxes ect... same with import taxes on freight moving into the country.

[NMcKay]

you have to look at a rule that the US of A Put in. No Foriegn Built Vessel can access 2 US Ports in a row. they must leave the country. which is why Prince Rupert and Vancouver are becoming very popular on a trip from San fran or Seattle to Alaska.