Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,175
|
Post by Neil on Mar 3, 2021 21:10:02 GMT -8
I'm not buying the Daily Hive's interpretation of these plans until I see something directly from BC Ferries. I don't see a role for thirteen Island class vessels. We know where six are going. But when you look beyond that, you see the distinct possibility or probability of Cortes and Hornby, owing to capacity and age issues of their present vessels. The long term plan for Moresby is another Kwuna sized landing craft. At Thetis, surely the Kuper is good for a fair bit longer, given its relative youth after rebuilding. On Saanich Inlet, an Island class would represent more than a doubling of capacity, and BC Ferries has never shown more than a grudging commitment to that route. So, given the present route map... two almost certainties, and three iffy maybes. Seven? I doubt it. Chek News also confirms that the long term goal will not only be to convert 6 pre-existing Island Class, but also for an additional 7 Island Class further down the road. Exciting times ahead www.cheknews.ca/bc-ferries-seeks-funding-to-convert-one-third-of-its-fleet-to-electric-742133/...I'd add one more thing to my previous comments, and that is that I more or less disagree with your remark about "exciting times ahead", Chris... at least from a ferry fan's perspective. I know we all like new ferries, and- absolutely- we want to see the fleet renewed. But we might be looking at twelve or thirteen Island class vessels becoming the workhorses for a huge section of the system, and the retiring of many individual, quirky vessels. We've already got two of them in service, so another ten or so won't exactly be a novelty. The coastal car ferry fleet, which in 1960 was a collection of B.C. Ferries, Highways ministry, Gulf Island Ferries, Coast Ferries, CPR, Black Ball and maybe others that I've forgotten, is now one operator, moving to a standardized fleet more akin to a bus roster. I know that Mark Collins pointed with enthusiasm to a time when you'll only know what vessel you're on by the name. That's where we're going. I absolutely get the value in that, from an operations standpoint. By the younger forum members- after this Covid era improves somewhat- should make a point of getting out and riding the existing fleet as much as possible before so many of the individualistic vessels we're fond of are replaced by a ubiquitous Island class.
|
|
|
Post by WettCoast on Mar 3, 2021 21:37:26 GMT -8
I absolutely get the value in that, from an operations standpoint. By the younger forum members- after this Covid era improves somewhat- should make a point of getting out and riding the existing fleet as much as possible before so many of the individualistic vessels we're fond of are replaced by a ubiquitous Island class. What you say Neil is right on the money. Everything the same is in a word, 'boring'. But I too recognize the benefits of standardization.
|
|
|
Post by fairweatherfisherman on Mar 5, 2021 14:42:49 GMT -8
I was onboard one of these new ships. Something I noticed was that inside the passenger lounge, the charging ports for personal electronic devices are all USB-C type ports. Not a single standard USB port around.
|
|
|
Post by jwjsamster on Mar 6, 2021 8:46:48 GMT -8
I was onboard one of these new ships. Something I noticed was that inside the passenger lounge, the charging ports for personal electronic devices are all USB-C type ports. Not a single standard USB port around. A small inconvenience now, probably won't be in five years.
|
|
|
Post by WettCoast on Mar 6, 2021 17:45:49 GMT -8
I was onboard one of these new ships. Something I noticed was that inside the passenger lounge, the charging ports for personal electronic devices are all USB-C type ports. Not a single standard USB port around. They are probably USB-C PD (power delivery) ports. In the long run this is a good thing.
|
|
|
Post by Mike C on Mar 7, 2021 21:47:06 GMT -8
I was onboard one of these new ships. Something I noticed was that inside the passenger lounge, the charging ports for personal electronic devices are all USB-C type ports. Not a single standard USB port around. They are probably USB-C PD (power delivery) ports. In the long run this is a good thing. Especially on short haul routes that are 10-30 mins in length - a USB-C PD port can charge your average smartphone from empty to full in about 30 or so mins, often less.
|
|
|
Post by pacificcat99 on Mar 24, 2021 17:57:26 GMT -8
Since we have found out names for the new Salish class vessels, it is interesting that even though more Island Class vessels are almost completed the construction phase there are no new island trademarked names by BC Ferries (Unless they go with Island Sky of course...)
|
|
|
Post by Blue Bus Fan on Mar 24, 2021 18:02:09 GMT -8
Since we have found out names for the new Salish class vessels, it is interesting that even though more Island Class vessels are almost completed the construction phase there are no new island trademarked names by BC Ferries (Unless they go with Island Sky of course...) I hope that BC Ferries release the names for next Island Class before they arrive because I found it stupid how long it took to find out the first two names.
|
|
|
Post by Blue Bus Fan on Apr 18, 2021 11:39:28 GMT -8
With two boat service coming to Nanaimo Harbour to Gabriola Island route and no construction happening at Nanaimo Harbour. Where is BC Ferries planning on keeping the Nanaimo based vessel when not in service? Will the vessel be kept at Departure Bay because that only terminal in Nanaimo that can handle multiple vessels at a time.
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,175
|
Post by Neil on Apr 18, 2021 16:08:52 GMT -8
With two boat service coming to Nanaimo Harbour to Gabriola Island route and no construction happening at Nanaimo Harbour. Where is BC Ferries planning on keeping the Nanaimo based vessel when not in service? Will the vessel be kept at Departure Bay because that only terminal in Nanaimo that can handle multiple vessels at a time. It's just that the Quadra work is being done first. I'm assuming the next two new vessels are going there. From last October's Gabriola FAC meeting: Terminal development update. Brian noted that most capital projects (including the projects to develop both Route 19 terminals) are on hold pending BCF analysis of the long term effects of the pandemic. However, work to gain approvals and other background work are continuing. Brian added that some work at Nanaimo Harbour is progressing that is required to allow the introduction of the two Island Class vessels (tie-up berth and other water lot aspects).
|
|
|
Post by Blue Bus Fan on Apr 22, 2021 8:44:00 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by Blue Bus Fan on May 6, 2021 21:51:42 GMT -8
With the Salish Class being interchangeable. I wonder if these vessels will be interchangeable such as Island Aurora operating on Texada Island route and Island Discovery on Port McNeill route?
|
|
|
Post by WettCoast on May 7, 2021 8:03:04 GMT -8
With the Salish Class being interchangeable. I wonder if these vessels will be interchangeable such as Island Aurora operating on Texada Island route and Island Discovery on Port McNeill route? I believe they have already been operating these vessels in an interchangeable manner.
|
|
|
Post by paddlehardercafe on May 7, 2021 14:46:40 GMT -8
Was there a ETD for the first two of the four to start heading over here by heavy lift shipping?
|
|
|
Post by cbachmeier on May 9, 2021 0:14:44 GMT -8
Was there a ETD for the first two of the four to start heading over here by heavy lift shipping? BC Ferries and Damen Shipyards stated sometime later this year, my guess is the first two will leave Romania sometime between late August 2021 and December. These days sea trials and post construction requirements take a while. They are probably done with construction by now, the other 2 still have a little ways to go.
|
|
|
Post by Blue Bus Fan on May 19, 2021 9:05:59 GMT -8
Island 3 is on the way to BC which should take 60 days to get here. Here is a video about it.
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,175
|
Post by Neil on May 19, 2021 9:50:46 GMT -8
Island 3 is on the way to BC which should take 60 days to get here. Here is a video about it. In the Black Sea, off the coast of Romania, poking along at four knots. Can't believe they're sending this little vessel across the Pacific, protected only with a modest wave breaker at the bow end. Fair seas and winds, I hope.
|
|
|
Post by Blue Bus Fan on May 19, 2021 9:51:32 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by cbachmeier on May 19, 2021 13:33:01 GMT -8
Island 3 is on the way to BC which should take 60 days to get here. Here is a video about it. In the Black Sea, off the coast of Romania, poking along at four knots. Can't believe they're sending this little vessel across the Pacific, protected only with a modest wave breaker at the bow end. Fair seas and winds, I hope. I would say that the little Island Class ferries can probably handle those pacific currents, there is a photo of the MV Salish Orca splashing into a massive wave on its way across the pacific. They can take it, but it will be one rough crossing.
|
|
|
Post by pacificcat99 on May 19, 2021 16:13:15 GMT -8
Really Interesting they are bringing it to BC under its own power instead of on another ship. Hopefully there is not too much wear and tear on this little ship or things that break on the way.
|
|
|
Post by Starsteward on May 20, 2021 9:32:13 GMT -8
Really Interesting they are bringing it to BC under its own power instead of on another ship. Hopefully there is not too much wear and tear on this little ship or things that break on the way. To say nothing about the very minimal 'living conveniences' for the crew members aboard on this wee excursion.
|
|
tak22
Chief Steward
Posts: 108
|
Post by tak22 on May 21, 2021 6:59:01 GMT -8
If you're interested, I'm temporarily tracking the Island 3 on my Coast Guard tracking page at patbaywebcam.com/wxcoastguard.php. Click on the Island 3 button on the left side under Other Ships. It will soon be moved to it's own tracking page. Previously I've tracked the Island Class ships, Salish ships (Orca, Eagle, and Raven), The Northern Seawolf, the Spirit of BC, and the Spirit of Vancouver. These transits are on the tracking archive page at patbaywebcam.com/tracking_archive.phptak
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,175
|
Post by Neil on May 23, 2021 17:34:53 GMT -8
Now heading out of Greek waters, poking along at nine knots for most of today. Tomorrow night, she'll be off the south coast of Sicily. I wonder if nine knots is the speed she'll be doing all during this voyage.
|
|
tak22
Chief Steward
Posts: 108
|
Post by tak22 on May 24, 2021 9:23:14 GMT -8
My dedicated tracking page for Island 3 is now live at at patbaywebcam.com/island3.php. I'll also leave the link on the Coast Guard tracking page at patbaywebcam.com/wxcoastguard.php for those that are interested in both. Click on the Island 3 button on the left side under Other Ships. Island 3 is currently stopped for some reason, seems a bit unusual to me .... tak
|
|
FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,948
|
Post by FNS on May 24, 2021 23:22:26 GMT -8
This is a screen shot from the video.Would this be a pre-delivery run, or the actual voyage? There's no rescue boat on board. I don't think it's a good idea to sail without one. It may be difficult for this vessel to respond to any rescue missions on the way to BC. At least she has inflatable life rafts mounted. Notice the good sized wave breaker at the "bow". Couldn't be designed by one of our FSG friends who kept us up to date on the construction of the Coastal Class ferries. Or was it?
|
|