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Post by WettCoast on Nov 3, 2018 8:40:57 GMT -8
And while we are at it, I'll chime in by encouraging BCFS to raise the Queen of the North, refurbish her, and put her back in service. Then they can send that ugly Greek thing (boat) back where it came from!
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Post by Starsteward on Nov 3, 2018 23:20:22 GMT -8
And while we are at it, I'll chime in by encouraging BCFS to raise the Queen of the North, refurbish her, and put her back in service. Then they can send that ugly Greek thing (boat) back where it came from! ….And how many 'wobbly-pops' did you uncap to come up with that idea?  That said, I would agree to at least one part of that suggestion, that being that the Queen of the North should be raised, for a number of reasons, and be scrapped along with the ugly Greek thing (boat).  |
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Post by Brandon S on Nov 4, 2018 15:11:16 GMT -8
And while we are at it, I'll chime in by encouraging BCFS to raise the Queen of the North, refurbish her, and put her back in service. Then they can send that ugly Greek thing (boat) back where it came from! I must agree with you on that one. |
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Post by WettCoast on Feb 19, 2019 9:30:09 GMT -8
Seaspan Swift, just underway from Swartz Bay with a mid day sailing to Tilbury on the Mainland - 13 February 2019
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Post by kampuniform on Mar 28, 2019 10:22:35 GMT -8
I have always had a bit of a soft spot for the Carrier Princess. As truck/rail ferries go, its an attractive vessel. But at 45 years of age I think it does not have a future with BC Ferries. Maybe in Fiji?
An enlarged & updated version of the Carrier Princess design might make a good truck optimized 'night boat' vessel for Route 30, able to carry a limited number of passengers & their cars, plus a lot of commercial traffic. I think I have just described the Queen of Alberni in its original form.
If there was any possibility of successfully floating that idea, Seaspan would have pursued it. However, having walked her decks for many years, I can readily confirm that it wouldn’t have been cost effective to keep her safely in service...anywhere. She was designed to carry rail cars, and the ramps at Tilbury and Nanaimo were designed to twist in order to accommodate the loading pattern. I didn’t think to take any pictures at the time (who brings a camera to work after you’ve fallen into a boring routine), but loading those cars was not for the squeamish. Another point to consider is that Seaspan puts their ships into dry dock for about a month or two (depending upon the nature of the repairs) every two years. They do get a nice coat of paint...to their exteriors, so they’re not complete eyesores, but there was virtually no effort made at rust control in 45 years. If I had a picture of what her decks looked like, you’d be horrified. The exerior stairways were only replaced when they became a safety hazard, and the crews had to step around the holes. The Doris was in a far worse state when she left. The only thing holding her together was that paint. The Greg is still very serviceable, and everyone loved crewing her. The Superior is in descent shape too, but she’s earmarked for the knacker yard too. The Challenger is quite bartered. When it was clear that new ships would be coming within five years, all maintenance stopped on the Carrier. So, you cannot compare the life extension of the Westminster to refurbishing the Carrier, as the Carrier is no longer even worth her weight in scrap metal...and she is riddled in asbestos. |
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Post by Starsteward on Mar 28, 2019 10:46:09 GMT -8
I have always had a bit of a soft spot for the Carrier Princess. As truck/rail ferries go, its an attractive vessel. But at 45 years of age I think it does not have a future with BC Ferries. Maybe in Fiji?
An enlarged & updated version of the Carrier Princess design might make a good truck optimized 'night boat' vessel for Route 30, able to carry a limited number of passengers & their cars, plus a lot of commercial traffic. I think I have just described the Queen of Alberni in its original form.
If there was any possibility of successfully floating that idea, Seaspan would have pursued it. However, having walked her decks for many years, I can readily confirm that it wouldn’t have been cost effective to keep her safely in service...anywhere. She was designed to carry rail cars, and the ramps at Tilbury and Nanaimo were designed to twist in order to accommodate the loading pattern. I didn’t think to take any pictures at the time (who brings a camera to work after you’ve fallen into a boring routine), but loading those cars was not for the squeamish. Another point to consider is that Seaspan puts their ships into dry dock for about a month or two (depending upon the nature of the repairs) every two years. They do get a nice coat of paint...to their exteriors, so they’re not complete eyesores, but there was virtually no effort made at rust control in 45 years. If I had a picture of what her decks looked like, you’d be horrified. The exerior stairways were only replaced when they became a safety hazard, and the crews had to step around the holes. The Doris was in a far worse state when she left. The only thing holding her together was that paint. The Greg is still very serviceable, and everyone loved crewing her. The Superior is in descent shape too, but she’s earmarked for the knacker yard too. The Challenger is quite bartered. When it was clear that new ships would be coming within five years, all maintenance stopped on the Carrier. So, you cannot compare the life extension of the Westminster to refurbishing the Carrier, as the Carrier is no longer even worth her weight in scrap metal...and she is riddled in asbestos. With the very damning condition report you've just delivered for the elder Seaspan fleet, I suppose those of us who aren't "in the know" as you are, should cease and desist offering any 'after Seaspan-life' suggestions as to future use. By the sound of things, a couple of the old Seaspan vessels would likely not make it across the Pacific to Fiji, so count Mr. Goundar out.  |
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Post by Low Light Mike on May 23, 2019 17:05:35 GMT -8
2 more LNG-hybrid fuel ferries ordered by Seaspan Ferries: These are similar looking to the Swift and Reliant, but these new ones will come from Damen in Romania. Story H E R E |
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Post by paulvanb on Jul 8, 2019 20:08:45 GMT -8
Seaspan Swift headed for Active Pass.  |
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Neil
Voyager 
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Post by Neil on Aug 31, 2019 20:57:12 GMT -8
Didn't have my camera with me, but the apparently retired Georgia Link barge, looking rather forlorn and rusty, is moored on the north side of Annacis Island, across from the Port Royal residential area at Queensborough.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Oct 12, 2019 10:51:17 GMT -8
A study in contrasting sizes: Seaspan Ferries' Princess Superior and one of the large newer Cruise Ships, seen from the Coastal Inspiration: - September 20, 2019, a Friday evening:  DSC05125 by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr |
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Post by shipchandler on Oct 18, 2019 15:41:23 GMT -8
The Nanaimo berth for Seaspan Ferries. - this was used by CPR as far back as I can remember (early 1970s)   |
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Post by shipchandler on Oct 18, 2019 15:51:59 GMT -8
I remember when I missed the last bc ferries sailing to horseshoe bay one time in the eighties ,I drove next door to the CPR dock in departure bay and booked passage on the haida transporter which had recently received her electromotive re power (I remember the old tupuckita puckita engines as a kid out on my dads boat)so I was pleasantly surprised when I offered the bridge crew a beer from my off sales (just being polite) they declined but told me to feel free to have one on the bridge while getting the cooks tour ,the skipper also told me to help my self to the delicious spread of prime rib and sides in the galley all layed out for the crew, it was a hot summer night with a full moon and I have to say it was one of those moments where it was great to be alive, it was also a treat coming into Vancouver harbor instead of horseshoe bay
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Post by Low Light Mike on Oct 18, 2019 16:01:16 GMT -8
I remember when I missed the last bc ferries sailing to horseshoe bay one time in the eighties ,I drove next door to the CPR dock in departure bay and booked passage on the haida transporter which had recently received her electromotive re power (I remember the old tupuckita puckita engines as a kid out on my dads boat)so I was pleasantly surprised when I offered the bridge crew a beer from my off sales (just being polite) they declined but told me to feel free to have one on the bridge while getting the cooks tour ,the skipper also told me to help my self to the delicious spread of prime rib and sides in the galley all layed out for the crew, it was a hot summer night with a full moon and I have to say it was one of those moments where it was great to be alive, it was also a treat coming into Vancouver harbor instead of horseshoe bay I've never heard of a CPR dock in Departure Bay, especially in the 1980s. Where was it? |
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Post by princessofvanfan on Oct 18, 2019 19:59:28 GMT -8
Downtown Nanaimo, near the Gabriola ferry terminal.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Oct 18, 2019 20:05:10 GMT -8
Downtown Nanaimo, near the Gabriola ferry terminal. That's the one that I'm familiar with. A Departure Bay location is news to me. |
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Post by hullnumbers on Apr 3, 2020 0:12:14 GMT -8
I know the Carrier Princess was retired in 2017 but when she was built she could carry auto and passenger. What year did she end carrying auto's and passengers?
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Post by ferryfangeorge on Oct 24, 2020 7:22:52 GMT -8
The Princess Superior going over the George Massey Tunnel. Attachments:
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Neil
Voyager
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Post by Neil on Jan 11, 2021 21:36:31 GMT -8
So, the new Seaspan ferries just launched in Europe are to be known as the Seaspan Trader and the Seaspan Transporter. I'd like to think that the latter name commemorates the Haida Transporter, which was the first purpose built ferry of it's type on our coast. CP's Trailer Princess was similar in design, but she had been re-configured from a U.S. navy vessel.
It will be sad to see the end of the Seaspan Greg and maybe the pusher barge combo, but these new vessels are a good move by Seaspan to compete with BC Ferries for the commercial Island traffic. I hope the Princess Superior will continue to be a part of their fleet.
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Post by hullnumbers on Jan 18, 2021 0:23:24 GMT -8
So, the new Seaspan ferries just launched in Europe are to be known as the Seaspan Trader and the Seaspan Transporter. I'd like to think that the latter name commemorates the Haida Transporter, which was the first purpose built ferry of it's type on our coast. CP's Trailer Princess was similar in design, but she had been re-configured from a U.S. navy vessel. It will be sad to see the end of the Seaspan Greg and maybe the pusher barge combo, but these new vessels are a good move by Seaspan to compete with BC Ferries for the commercial Island traffic. I hope the Princess Superior will continue to be a part of their fleet. Any confirmation if they will carry rail cars as well? |
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Neil
Voyager
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Post by Neil on Jan 21, 2021 20:32:58 GMT -8
So, the new Seaspan ferries just launched in Europe are to be known as the Seaspan Trader and the Seaspan Transporter. I'd like to think that the latter name commemorates the Haida Transporter, which was the first purpose built ferry of it's type on our coast. CP's Trailer Princess was similar in design, but she had been re-configured from a U.S. navy vessel. It will be sad to see the end of the Seaspan Greg and maybe the pusher barge combo, but these new vessels are a good move by Seaspan to compete with BC Ferries for the commercial Island traffic. I hope the Princess Superior will continue to be a part of their fleet. Any confirmation if they will carry rail cars as well? The ' Swift and ' Reliant have no rail capacity, so I doubt the newest additions will either. I don't even know if Seaspan handles any of the very modest rail traffic to and from Nanaimo. |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jan 21, 2021 22:18:00 GMT -8
Any confirmation if they will carry rail cars as well? The ' Swift and ' Reliant have no rail capacity, so I doubt the newest additions will either. I don't even know if Seaspan handles any of the very modest rail traffic to and from Nanaimo. Rail cars between Nanaimo and Annacis Island are handled by Seaspan tug & barge. |
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Jan 22, 2021 21:40:33 GMT -8
The ' Swift and ' Reliant have no rail capacity, so I doubt the newest additions will either. I don't even know if Seaspan handles any of the very modest rail traffic to and from Nanaimo. Rail cars between Nanaimo and Annacis Island are handled by Seaspan tug & barge. Thanks for pointing that out, Mike. No need for rail capacity on the new boats, and I'm thinking that it's a pretty minimal number of rail cars moving by barge to and from Annacis. |
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Post by hullnumbers on Jan 24, 2021 21:52:20 GMT -8
I see, Seaspans changing their way of transporting trailers and rail cars.
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,307
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Post by Neil on Jan 24, 2021 22:17:02 GMT -8
I see, Seaspans changing their way of transporting trailers and rail cars. Maybe he can correct me, but I thought 'Low light Mike' mentioned at some point that there is perhaps one rail client left in the Nanaimo area? If so, clearly there is minimal capacity requirements for transport to the mainland. |
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Post by Mike on Jan 25, 2021 15:18:12 GMT -8
I see, Seaspans changing their way of transporting trailers and rail cars. Maybe he can correct me, but I thought 'Low light Mike' mentioned at some point that there is perhaps one rail client left in the Nanaimo area? If so, clearly there is minimal capacity requirements for transport to the mainland. I couldn't tell you exactly when, but I'm pretty sure it's been many years since Seaspan carried any rail cars on their ferries. |
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