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Post by Dane on May 21, 2019 22:37:04 GMT -8
The recent minor flurry of Instagram posts from the ship show this upper deck seating to be public, and offering a great view. I've been trying to see interior shots, no luck yet. |
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Post by yvr on Jun 1, 2019 20:28:28 GMT -8
It appears our suspicions have materialized. No greenhouse on the top deck, instead everyone is exposed to the elements, with seating mounted at a 45 degree angle so that you can only see one half of the sights. The option is to sit in the main lounge which appears to be an almost windowless bunker affair. Has anyone figured out how a handicap individual can view the sights, because it doesn't appear they can access the top deck? Oh, and it's only a year late going into service, and no doubt there are some serious cost overruns. Well done BCF, well done!
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Neil
Voyager 
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Post by Neil on Jun 1, 2019 21:59:08 GMT -8
It appears our suspicions have materialized. No greenhouse on the top deck, instead everyone is exposed to the elements, with seating mounted at a 45 degree angle so that you can only see one half of the sights. The option is to sit in the main lounge which appears to be an almost windowless bunker affair. Has anyone figured out how a handicap individual can view the sights, because it doesn't appear they can access the top deck? Oh, and it's only a year late going into service, and no doubt there are some serious cost overruns. Well done BCF, well done! And the toilets don't flush, the burgers are all 'beyond meat', and the engine vibration loosens people's fillings. Think I'll wait to actually get on board for any final judgements, and even then, I'll keep in mind that the previous government mandated the quickness of this purchase.  |
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Post by mrwilson on Jun 3, 2019 21:16:06 GMT -8
Went to the open house tonight and had a look around the vessel. Small indeed, but a nice ship nonetheless.
The ribbon cutting ceremony on the car deck with a decent crowd in attendance.
Looking towards the rear of the ship on the car deck.
The galley, the first thing you come across when entering from the car deck. (The cake was pretty yummy)
Next is the cafe seating area, pretty standard ferry tables and seating.
Then there's the main seating area. The seats are quite comfy, and they even recline! (See small black levers)
Some of the interior artwork.
Up onto the outer deck. Lots of seating on this level, including a covered section.
Looking back over that section.
And finally, a view from the top. Quite nice up here. I'm sure it will be enjoyed by many, as long as they're wearing a windbreaker.
Overall, cool little open house they hosted tonight. My friend even won a 100$ BC Ferries gift card!
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jun 3, 2019 21:27:54 GMT -8
Went to the open house tonight and had a look around the vessel. Small indeed, but a nice ship nonetheless. Big huge thanks for this post. |
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dave2
Chief Steward
Deckhand!: Todo: Introduction post (I was born less than 100 feet from the ocean. The tide was...)
Posts: 162
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Post by dave2 on Jun 4, 2019 15:39:56 GMT -8
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Post by vancouverecho on Jun 4, 2019 19:09:09 GMT -8
Soo... the ship had a number of issues that required more in depth work. Per your article, this is what they found once they started peeling away the interior and getting a good look at the ship:
- No fire protection insulation
- Sprinklers that didn't work or were disconnected
- Propeller shaft needed replacement as they were corroded beyond acceptable limits
- HVAC didn't work
- Elevator didn't meet code
- Stern door was problematic
They did budget for a engine overhaul, new generators, new navigation equipment, interior retrofit, and improvements to safety, but the additional scope of work was beyond the original plan.
I hope that they do manage to recover some of their costs from the classification society for certifying a ship that should not have been certified to begin with. But in the end, it looks like they've really worked over the ship's systems to ensure that they worked unlike what happened to the Northern Adventure, hence the delay getting into service.
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Post by yvr on Jun 5, 2019 8:23:29 GMT -8
When the announcement was made regarding the purchase of this vessel. I strongly believed it was the wrong choice, and mentioned that several times on this site. This time last year it was apparent the vessel was not going to make the summer of 2018 sailings. It was obvious there were serious issues with the condition of the ferry, as purchased. At the 2018 annual AGM I asked questions about the delay and cost overruns for which I was given evasive answers. Interestingly as I was leaving that meeting I was approached by an individual and told to ask for a freedom of information request, well that's not necessary now.
So as the little lemon is about to enter service, BCF has decided to come clean on exactly how much this fiasco is going to cost us. I have to wonder if anyone was terminated over this, and if not why not, for sure if this was private industry the individuals would have been long gone.
The line below from the Vancouver Sun pretty well sums it up.
"In short, the little Greek boat turned out to be a big fat Greek lemon for B.C. taxpayers."
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jun 5, 2019 9:14:21 GMT -8
So as the little lemon is about to enter service, BCF has decided to come clean on exactly how much this fiasco is going to cost us. I have to wonder if anyone was terminated over this, and if not why not, for sure if this was private industry the individuals would have been long gone. The government that caused the rush-job scenario was terminated. |
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Post by vancouverecho on Jun 5, 2019 19:24:26 GMT -8
It sounds like the ship was misrepresented to BC Ferries as well as to the state of the ship's condition. Hence the remarks about going back on the classification society to recover some of the costs.
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Post by OneEighthMaster on Jun 6, 2019 0:08:40 GMT -8
When the announcement was made regarding the purchase of this vessel. I strongly believed it was the wrong choice, and mentioned that several times on this site. This time last year it was apparent the vessel was not going to make the summer of 2018 sailings. It was obvious there were serious issues with the condition of the ferry, as purchased. At the 2018 annual AGM I asked questions about the delay and cost overruns for which I was given evasive answers. Interestingly as I was leaving that meeting I was approached by an individual and told to ask for a freedom of information request, well that's not necessary now. So as the little lemon is about to enter service, BCF has decided to come clean on exactly how much this fiasco is going to cost us. I have to wonder if anyone was terminated over this, and if not why not, for sure if this was private industry the individuals would have been long gone. The line below from the Vancouver Sun pretty well sums it up. "In short, the little Greek boat turned out to be a big fat Greek lemon for B.C. taxpayers." There is more to it than is being admitted to. Parts were stripped from the NSW to be used on other vessels around the fleet, and almost any $ amount could have been spread around budgets in that way. Many planned refit updates and terminal projects were suddenly delayed last year. I wonder if it's hidden beyond the reach of an FOIA request? |
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Post by yvr on Jun 8, 2019 7:06:15 GMT -8
When the announcement was made regarding the purchase of this vessel. I strongly believed it was the wrong choice, and mentioned that several times on this site. This time last year it was apparent the vessel was not going to make the summer of 2018 sailings. It was obvious there were serious issues with the condition of the ferry, as purchased. At the 2018 annual AGM I asked questions about the delay and cost overruns for which I was given evasive answers. Interestingly as I was leaving that meeting I was approached by an individual and told to ask for a freedom of information request, well that's not necessary now. So as the little lemon is about to enter service, BCF has decided to come clean on exactly how much this fiasco is going to cost us. I have to wonder if anyone was terminated over this, and if not why not, for sure if this was private industry the individuals would have been long gone. The line below from the Vancouver Sun pretty well sums it up. "In short, the little Greek boat turned out to be a big fat Greek lemon for B.C. taxpayers." There is more to it than is being admitted to. Parts were stripped from the NSW to be used on other vessels around the fleet, and almost any $ amount could have been spread around budgets in that way. Many planned refit updates and terminal projects were suddenly delayed last year. I wonder if it's hidden beyond the reach of an FOIA request? You make a very good point regarding the reasons a FOIA may have been a waste of time. After many years at the old cronies club, budget spreading may be an everyday norm. As this was a major capital expenditure with serious cost overruns where was the ferry commissioner? Based on the following link he had to know how serious the problem was. Yet as the independent overseer he probably just rubber stamped the cost overruns, because the other choice would be abandon the project.
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Post by Nickfro on Jul 26, 2019 15:48:47 GMT -8
There has been a fatal float plane crash near Calvert Island, and the Northern Sea Wolf is apparently on scene to assist. Link to article HERE. |
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,309
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Post by Neil on Aug 18, 2019 9:02:08 GMT -8
No news is good news?
Unless I missed it, I don't think there have been any service notices about any delays or cancellations with the NSW since she was put into service. If so, that's pretty good, as minor glitches are common with 'new' vessels, particularly one that had as many issues after purchase as this one.
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Post by whalebreath on Sept 11, 2019 20:51:53 GMT -8
Great little video (not mine) of a summer 2019 Seawolf trip.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 12, 2019 6:27:53 GMT -8
Great little video (not mine) of a summer 2019 Seawolf trip. Thanks very much for finding this and posting it. |
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Post by paulvanb on Sept 12, 2019 6:50:32 GMT -8
Great little video (not mine) of a summer 2019 Seawolf trip. Nice find! Hopefully, they figure out some of the shortcomings of this little ferry. The scenery looks wonderful. Some of the footage almost made me want to try it out. If they want more Europeans they will have to add a smoking area. Many people still smoke there at 5 euros/pack. |
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ProudCanuck
Chief Steward
Champ Car - Gone, but not forgotten!
Posts: 242
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Post by ProudCanuck on Sept 12, 2019 13:54:43 GMT -8
Interesting video. Having never travelled this route, I'm quite surprised to see that travellers in Bella Coola have to check in 2km away in town.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 12, 2019 14:21:47 GMT -8
Interesting video. Having never travelled this route, I'm quite surprised to see that travellers in Bella Coola have to check in 2km away in town. In the old "Queen of Chilliwack Days," the check-in was at the Co-op parking lot. The traffic then waited in town until called by the ship. A pilot-car would then lead the ferry traffic to the dock, convoy style. |
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Post by Mike C on Sept 15, 2019 18:07:05 GMT -8
Interesting video. Having never travelled this route, I'm quite surprised to see that travellers in Bella Coola have to check in 2km away in town. In the old "Queen of Chilliwack Days," the check-in was at the Co-op parking lot. The traffic then waited in town until called by the ship. A pilot-car would then lead the ferry traffic to the dock, convoy style. The experience queueing for the Nimpkish with the car was much less formal - line up along the road adjacent to the berth, and back on. Senior master came knocking on your window with an iPad to check you in. I drive a small SUV, but I will say, backing on to the ship and down the narrow Port side tunnel was very tight. |
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Post by Dane on Oct 18, 2019 10:28:48 GMT -8
BC Ferries just issued a News Release which gave me a good ferry nerd chuckle.
The NSW has wrapped up its first operating season without issue. Notwithstanding missing a year of service, BC Ferries is gloating about this success - perhaps not unfairly given the critics.
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,309
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Post by Neil on Oct 18, 2019 21:00:17 GMT -8
BC Ferries just issued a News Release which gave me a good ferry nerd chuckle. The NSW has wrapped up its first operating season without issue. Notwithstanding missing a year of service, BC Ferries is gloating about this success - perhaps not unfairly given the critics. I got a chuckle out of that news release as well. The line, "successful first season", should actually have been phrased, "first successful season", since summer 2018 was supposed to be the service introduction, and it most certainly wasn't a success. Still, this little vessel did run without incident this season, and hopefully demand will build to the point where something bigger will be required. |
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Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,887 
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Post by Mill Bay on Nov 20, 2019 20:47:17 GMT -8
I haven't been around much, so I've actually just read through this thread for the first time.
With all of the fingers being pointed at political parties and ministers for the purchase and cost of the vessel, has anyone written a letter to their current MLA to express concerns about what took place, or the larger opinions about BC shipbuilding in general?
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Post by compdude787 on Nov 21, 2019 16:05:53 GMT -8
Now that this ferry is in service, is the Nimpkish going to be retired, or will she stay around?
I seem to remember that there were plans to retire the Nimpkish now that the Northern Sea Wolf is in service.
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Post by Mike on Nov 29, 2019 13:21:51 GMT -8
Northern Sea Wolf in the Fraser River this morning, heading to Deas for repairs after a log strike damaged her propellers. I imagine the Nimpkish will be fired up and sent north fairly quick to replace her.  M/V Northern Sea Wolf - Fraser River by Michael, on Flickr
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