F-A-Gauthier Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On the evening of February 15, 2022, the ferry 'F.A. Gauthier' found itself immobilized in a thick mass of ice off the coast of Matane in Bas-Saint-Laurent, remaining stuck for over seven hours. The vessel was carrying 40 passengers who were assisted by the Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) during this unexpected halt. The icing conditions caused significant disruptions to the ferry schedules, with the Matane to Baie-Comeau service postponing its departure to 2 p.m. on February 16 to allow crew members adequate rest. In anticipation of similar challenges in the days ahead, the STQ has altered its service operations, planning only one round trip daily between Matane and the North Shore. This change aims to facilitate navigation during daylight hours, enabling the crew to better identify and navigate the ice floes. While the STQ has not formally requested assistance from the Canadian Coast Guard for icebreaker support, the Coast Guard confirmed that the tugboat 'Océan Taïga,' specializing in ice navigation, has been contracted to operate in the St. Lawrence Estuary sector. Additionally, the ferry 'Camille-Marcoux' also experienced difficulties maneuvering through the substantial ice buildup.

Quebec taxpayers have already injected nearly $65 million into the 'F.-A.- Gauthier,' a ferry crucial for the route connecting Côte-Nord and Bas-Saint-Laurent. The vessel has been struggling with thruster issues since December 2018, when they were removed and underwent an extensive year-long rebuild. Unfortunately, concerns regarding the thruster seals have resurfaced. Despite being repaired twice, persistent oil leakage has rendered them in need of replacement once more. The anticipated cost for new parts from Steerprop is set at $390,506, while the total expenses for the drydocking process will reach approximately $2.2 million. The Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) is considering seeking guarantees from the manufacturers to potentially recoup some of these significant costs. The situation is currently under evaluation, and STQ intends to keep a close watch on developments as they pursue applicable guarantees from the manufacturer.

The ferry 'F.A.Gautier' is scheduled for another dry docking to tackle persistent oil leak challenges. The ferry operator has issued a request for proposals to secure a dry dock from October 15 to December 15, aiming to conduct essential repair work. This vessel has been grappling with oil leaks originating from the thruster gaskets, which were previously addressed during its last dry docking. Although testing is ongoing, it has become evident that the repair efforts must take place while the ship is out of the water, with the entire process expected to span approximately three weeks. Since its reintroduction to service in April, the 'F.A.Gautier' has continued to experience minor oil leaks but remains capable of operating during the busy peak season.