Working Conditions Aboard the Isabelle-X

On January 3, 2024, the former ferry 'Isabelle' docked at Seaspan’s shipyard in North Vancouver, embarking on the final leg of its transformation into a floating hotel for construction workers involved in the Woodfibre LNG plant project. Previously utilized in Estonia, the vessel housed around 1,500 Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict with Russia until 2022. In July 2023, Bridgemans Services Group, a Vancouver-based marine services company, took ownership of the 'Isabelle' and initiated extensive renovations at a shipyard in Riga, focusing on updating living quarters, communal spaces, and enhancing environmental systems. By Spring 2024, the revitalized 'Isabelle' will be stationed offshore on the west side of Howe Sound, strategically positioned to accommodate over 600 workers necessary for the multi-year construction of the Woodfibre LNG facility. This newly outfitted ship boasts 652 modern guest cabins, each featuring private ensuites, alongside an array of amenities such as a revamped dining hall, an expansive 8,000 sq ft fitness center, a sports lounge equipped with large screens, a games lounge, and several tranquil lounges with lockers. In a significant move towards sustainability, the vessel will have the capability to tap into land-based shore hydro power, lessening reliance on its auxiliary diesel engines. Additionally, it is outfitted with industrial-grade heat pumps, advanced sewage treatment utilizing ultrafiltration, and a sophisticated ultraviolet water purification system. Previously designed to accommodate 2,200 passengers and 410 vehicles, the 'Isabelle' is poised to play a crucial role in supporting the workforce for this significant energy project in British Columbia.

In a significant move on April 4, 2022, the Tallink Group announced it will charter the ferry 'Isabelle' to serve as a temporary accommodation ship for refugees in Estonia. This decision comes as the company has opted to pause its plans to revive the popular Stockholm-Riga route for the year. Initially, Tallink had intended to resume services between Stockholm and Riga on June 3 with the 'Isabelle', but circumstances led to a change in plans. Starting April 7, the vessel will be utilized as a refuge for those in need, with a primary charter period of four months, extendable for additional two-month intervals if required. This reversal highlights the challenges faced by the Riga-Stockholm route, which had been successfully operating for nearly 16 years before being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic uncertainties. The decision to repurpose 'Isabelle' not only aims to provide urgent housing solutions for refugees but also offers employment opportunities for crew members and staff from Tallink's Latvian operations. These dedicated workers will transition to working aboard the 'Isabelle' and other Tallink vessels in the upcoming months, ensuring that the company continues its commitment to support both affected individuals and its personnel.

On April 17, 2020, Tallink Latvija AS, a subsidiary of Tallink Grupp, informed the Latvian Employment Agency about the implementation of a collective redundancy process affecting approximately 550 employees. This decision impacts both crew members working aboard the ferries 'Isabelle' and 'Romantika,' as well as shore staff in Latvia, with a significant portion of the layoffs targeting onboard service personnel. Since mid-March, these ferries have been docked at the port of Riga due to the declared state of emergency and enforced travel restrictions. Currently, in accordance with maritime regulations, each vessel is operating with only the minimum required technical crew, while other employees have been on leave with reduced salaries for the past month. Looking ahead, it is anticipated that the Riga-Stockholm ferry route will initially operate with just one vessel following the lifting of travel restrictions, as preliminary passenger estimates do not support the return of both ships to service. The company faces the likelihood that any operational trips will continue to incur losses in the uncertain economic environment.