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Post by yvr on Apr 10, 2017 20:08:25 GMT -8
It's obvious that BCF was up against a timeline to find a vessel. From what we've seen it was their second choice, in actuality if an election wasn't around the corner BCF most likely would have waited long enough to find a ferry that was a tad larger, and one with WINDOWS. So in the big picture, and if time was on their side the Shoppy 1 was most likely the 3rd or 4th choice. Nothing can be done about the vehicle capacity, but possibly a fix for the lack of windows is to plunk a greenhouse on the top deck, not great but better than sitting inside this mini floating Greek bunker. Oh, and for a name, how about the MV Christy Lifeboat. (Lifeboat - well it's her small chance to acquire a Liberal seat in the Bella Coola region.) Just think, if there was a Liberal incumbent they would be getting a proper ferry, one that carried more vehicles and had windows! So disappointing.
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Post by roeco on Apr 11, 2017 6:57:52 GMT -8
It's obvious that BCF was up against a timeline to find a vessel. From what we've seen it was their second choice, in actuality if an election wasn't around the corner BCF most likely would have waited long enough to find a ferry that was a tad larger, and one with WINDOWS. So in the big picture, and if time was on their side the Shoppy 1 was most likely the 3rd or 4th choice. Nothing can be done about the vehicle capacity, but possibly a fix for the lack of windows is to plunk a greenhouse on the top deck, not great but better than sitting inside this mini floating Greek bunker. Oh, and for a name, how about the MV Christy Lifeboat. (Lifeboat - well it's her small chance to acquire a Liberal seat in the Bella Coola region.) Just think, if there was a Liberal incumbent they would be getting a proper ferry, one that carried more vehicles and had windows! So disappointing. Could they maybe not put something like the sunroom thingy they had on the Chilliwack just much much bigger. That may do for the upper deck then at least their would be some kinda view. And a decent lounge space for the summers.
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Post by Dane on Jun 6, 2017 18:25:09 GMT -8
I had several hours at work today where I was figuratively paid to stare into space. It was awful. So I tried searching anything about the recent progress of this vessel and came up empty. Anyone seen anything / know where works being done?
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Post by Kahn_C on Jun 6, 2017 18:36:54 GMT -8
If I remember correctly, they don't get the boat until August... then work starts in the fall... I think I saw somewhere that the refit would be done in Poland, but that could be wrong.
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Post by markkarj on Jul 16, 2017 4:13:33 GMT -8
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jul 16, 2017 7:19:13 GMT -8
That's the one. I've now merged the old Northern Discovery thread into the new ship thread.
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Post by WettCoast on Jul 16, 2017 9:19:58 GMT -8
We have been discussing Mr Shoppy One ( Nimpkish/ Chilliwack replacement) for a few months now, as indicated by Mr. Horn. I think that you will find the discussion interesting.
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Post by markkarj on Jul 17, 2017 15:27:20 GMT -8
Thank you thank you... seemingly I missed the boat on this (buh-dum).
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Post by Dane on Aug 10, 2017 12:17:11 GMT -8
Yesterday, or the day before depending on the source, was the Aqua Spirit's last sailing in Greece. Some Requests for Proposals were also released by BC Ferries this past Friday for some ramp modifications - but I couldn't find the details in whether that was for the ship itself or the terminals.
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Post by Kahn_C on Aug 10, 2017 18:51:01 GMT -8
I think this week is the Aqua Spirit's last service week, so far she's still running her normal inter-island rotation but her replacement ( MV Aqua Jewel) has been positioned nearby. I assume SeaJets will dock her somewhere to pull some of their gear off before she heads towards Poland.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Aug 18, 2017 17:26:05 GMT -8
From BCFS Management's Discussion & Analysis report for 3 months ended June 30, 2017:
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Post by Kahn_C on Aug 18, 2017 22:14:49 GMT -8
Aqua Jewel took over for Aqua Spirit tonight sometime. Aqua Spirit is currently bound for Piraeus, Greece; probably for de-SeaJetting.
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Post by Dane on Aug 19, 2017 15:36:45 GMT -8
Word from Greece is the Jewel had some electrical issues which delayed her entry into service. Hmmm familiar lol. Regardless the Aqua Spirit I apparently already being de-stored for movement next week. I have made a helpful only acquaintance in Greece who is a fan of the Aqua Spirit; just trying to get her on the forum now
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Post by mybidness459 on Aug 20, 2017 11:39:35 GMT -8
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Post by Dane on Aug 30, 2017 8:50:09 GMT -8
Northern Sea Wolf..... kind of strange name but I like that it isn't just a corporate wash like Northern Disovery.
BCFS release:
NORTHERN SEA WOLF JOINS BC FERRIES’ FLEET New Direct Service from Port Hardy – Bella Coola Starting Summer 2018 VICTORIA – A community engagement process with representatives from local First Nations, Ferry Advisory Committee members, BC Ferries employees and the Mid-Coast Ferry Working Group have selected Northern Sea Wolf as the name for the vessel acquired by BC Ferries for the new mid-coast ferry service. Delivery of the Northern Sea Wolf took place today in Greece. The name is inspired by a First Nations legend in which the Sea Wolf is a manifestation of the Orca. The Sea Wolf symbolizes family and loyalty and the spirit of the Sea Wolf protects those travelling their waters. “We engaged the community to select a name for the vessel that reflects the region and celebrates the cultural heritage of local First Nations,” said Janet Carson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Marketing. “We are pleased with their willingness to work together and come to consensus on the name. We are now preparing the Northern Sea Wolf to begin service next summer, which will support tourism to the mid-coast, taking customers directly into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest.” “We are very excited for the future of the tourism industry from the North Island to the Cariboo Chilcotin coast region of B.C. The Northern Sea Wolf will fuel economic development and job creation in First Nation and other communities across the interior,” said Pat Corbett, Co-Chair of the B.C. Mid-Coast Ferry Working Group and a member of the naming task force. “Ensuring a steady flow of tourists experiencing the Great Bear Rainforest can only be done with the help of BC Ferries and the B.C. Government, and we are thrilled at the new vessel becoming a permanent part of the transportation infrastructure of the Central Coast of B.C.” BC Ferries acquired the vessel from Greece to support the Province’s commitment to the new route last year. The Northern Sea Wolf was built in 2000 and will accommodate a minimum of 35 vehicles and 150 passengers and crew. The vessel is scheduled to arrive in B.C. this fall, where it will undergo upgrades to be ready for regular service starting in summer 2018. Sailings will depart from Port Hardy and Bella Coola five days per week during peak season. Fares for this route will be consistent with the fares on the existing indirect service. Reservations for this route are scheduled to be open for booking in mid-October 2017. For the schedule and additional information, please visit bcferries.com/about/projects. Route and vessel information attached.
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Looks like first sailing is June 19, 2018. Now I need to see if I am off for that when I go to work on Friday!
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Post by Low Light Mike on Aug 30, 2017 9:17:45 GMT -8
Brochure with photo H E R E --------- I like the name. It references the historical culture of the area, and that rich First Nations culture is a main tourism draw of the route.
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Post by Ferryman on Aug 30, 2017 10:02:03 GMT -8
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Post by Starsteward on Aug 30, 2017 11:53:05 GMT -8
Brochure with photo H E R E --------- I like the name. It references the historical culture of the area, and that rich First Nations culture is a main tourism draw of the route. Well the used vessel swap- meet appears to be concluded. We seem to have some sort of affinity for Greek ships and the Fijians for our well-used warriors. The name chosen for our re-entry into the Mid-Coast market is catchy and thankfully Northern is followed by Sea Wolf, far less insipid than Adventurer and Expedition. BCFS takes great pains to tout the 'journey deep into the Great Bear Rainforest and one would have hoped that during a 10 hour voyage, passengers might be afforded more than one passenger lounge and lounges with much more expansive windows than the unappealing, ill placed viewing offerings. IF, during the Winter refit, there are plans in place to address this serious shortcoming, I'll gladly apologize next Spring when the work is complete. The departure and arrival times from Port Hardy and Bella Coola are a big positive. Given that there are long daylight hours during the Summer sailing season, travellers are not being dumped at their destinations in the dead of night. There will be time at both destinations to enjoy the wonders of this beautiful part of B.C. before nightfall. Speaking of this beautiful part of B.C., I'd be remiss if the obvious flip-flop of the government's/BCFS's attitude toward the tourism industry along our mid-coast went unaddressed. When the growing industry was jettisoned overboard, the best political offering was 'potable water'. Welcome to the BCFS fleet Northern Sea Wolf, put some new windows on your refit wish list and all will be well. Oh, and just one more thing. Your 5th new name is the best one yet. Bet you're still having bad dreams with the Mr. Shoppy thing...sorry.
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,272
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Post by Neil on Aug 30, 2017 20:45:58 GMT -8
Love the name. Hate the lack of windows on the vessel. Hopefully they will alter that.
There are direct Port Hardy to Bella Coola runs, and Bella Coola to Bella Bella connector runs, but the schedule for the latter makes no sense, as they've printed it. I guess that is still to be worked out, but if they can do everything in daylight hours it will be an improvement- particularly if they eliminate the current ten hour layover at Shearwater, westbound.
The fares are, as they state, comparable to the current combined fares on the two routes connecting Port Hardy to Bella Coola. Compared to the Queen of Chillwack, this vessel is really inadequate in capacity, but hopefully tourism will rebound on the central coast to the extent that a bigger vessel might be considered.
Have to admit, though... I really like the looks of this little Northern Sea Wolf, and hopefully the inspired name means we're past abominations like Island Sky and Coastal Celebration, forever.
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Post by Dane on Aug 30, 2017 22:15:10 GMT -8
Have to admit, though... I really like the looks of this little Northern Sea Wolf, and hopefully the inspired name means we're past abominations like Island Sky and Coastal Celebration, forever. I am / was quite keen on Kuper and the Salish-trio naming as well... like you say we seem to have backed off the over-corporate nonsense that took over for the first half of privatization there. When it jumped over the Sea Bus I was even more disappointed, who has also reverted to more traditional name (a.k.a. same names with a II). I am very curious to see what it done to the Northern Sea Wolf. From both forum members here and my small number of people I know at BC Ferries I get the impression that the refit will "get the job done" but not be that extensive.
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Post by mybidness459 on Aug 31, 2017 12:32:53 GMT -8
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Post by Kahn_C on Sept 4, 2017 6:59:28 GMT -8
Her AIS name has been updated and she's been re-flagged to St. Kitts for her delivery/refit trip(s).
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Post by yvr on Sept 6, 2017 20:32:17 GMT -8
It appears management at BC Ferries must fear political repercussions if they had the modification work for the Northern Sea Wolf accomplished in Poland, or Romania. After all, they've had new builds and now mod work in Poland, and more new builds constructed in Romania. Actions tell all, BCF are all about saving money by using offshore yards. So perhaps there was political pressure applied to BCF mgmt to have the work on the Northern Sea Wolf performed locally. For me I'm pleased to see B.C. workers employed on this ferry project.
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Post by WettCoast on Sept 6, 2017 20:42:21 GMT -8
Cool name! But hope they put Windows in the front. I have to disagree with you & others. The name is maybe the worst yet second worst* that BCFS has come up with. It sounds like the title for a child's colouring book. * First prize goes to the "Cable Thingy" Baynes Sound Connector.
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,272
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Post by Neil on Sept 6, 2017 21:16:06 GMT -8
Cool name! But hope they put Windows in the front. I have to disagree with you & others. The name is maybe the worst yet that BCFS has come up with. It sounds like the title for a child's colouring book. Even after taking into account the first nations' legend of the sea wolf?
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