What Crew Members Say About Bowen-Queen

The scrapping process for two iconic Canadian ferries, the 'Bowen Queen' and 'Powell River Queen', both constructed in the mid-1960s, is now in full swing on the Fraser River in Surrey, British Columbia. As of February 5, 2023, significant progress has been made, with the bridge of the 'Bowen Queen' already severed from its foundation and relocated to the car deck. This marks a pivotal step in the dismantling of these historic vessels that have served the region for decades.

In a significant development in the maritime industry, a prominent vessel has been officially sold to breakers for dismantling. This transaction marks a notable shift, as the vessel is set to be decommissioned, highlighting the ongoing changes in fleet management and sustainability practices. The dismantling procedure will follow established maritime regulations to ensure environmental compliance.

British Columbia is set to enhance its marine recycling capabilities as BC Ferries launches a local initiative to dismantle two retired vessels, the 'Bowen Queen' and 'Powell River Queen.' This environmentally-friendly endeavor will take place through the Marine Recycling Corporation (MRC) at the Esquimalt Graving Dock, a site operated under federal jurisdiction. Upon completion at Esquimalt, the recycling activities will transition to a dedicated facility in Surrey. In this undertaking, up to 25 skilled professionals from Point Hope Maritime in Victoria will collaborate at the Esquimalt location. Looking ahead, additional vessels such as the aging 'Mayne Queen' and 'Quadra Queen II,' which is approaching the end of its operational lifespan, are anticipated to join the recycling queue in the forthcoming years. This project not only aims to create local jobs but also emphasizes BC Ferries' commitment to sustainable practices in marine operations.