Mayne-Queen Vessel Reviews and Specifications

BC Ferries is taking a significant step towards sustainability by committing to the local recycling of two decommissioned vessels, the 'Bowen Queen' and 'Powell River Queen'. This initiative aims to bolster British Columbia's job market and enhance marine recycling capabilities within the province. The dismantling operations will be conducted by Marine Recycling Corporation (MRC) at the Esquimalt Graving Dock, a federally managed site known for its expertise in ship recycling. Following the initial dismantling phase at Esquimalt, the materials will be processed further at a facility located in Surrey. Notably, this project will create job opportunities for approximately 25 team members from Point Hope Maritime based in Victoria, who will be engaged at the Esquimalt Graving Dock. Looking ahead, BC Ferries anticipates addressing the dismantling needs of other aging vessels, including the 'Mayne Queen' and the 'Quadra Queen II', which is close to the end of its operational lifespan.

On August 20, 2022, B.C. Ferries experienced a significant disruption, announcing the cancellation of numerous sailings along the South Coast attributed to 'crew availability.' By noon, the cancellation count reached at least a dozen, impacting travel plans for many. Among those affected were 12 sailings, while an additional nine sailings faced potential cancellations, particularly affecting routes between Swartz Bay, Mayne Island, Pender Island, and Tsawwassen. To assist stranded travelers, B.C. Ferries implemented modified schedules for the 'Mayne Queen' and 'Salish Heron', aimed at ensuring the continuity of passenger transport. Notably, the early morning set of cancellations included four crucial sailings connecting Tsawwassen on the mainland to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Additionally, during this period, B.C. Ferries announced further cancellations for the 'Northern Sea Wolf', affecting routes between Bella Coola and Port Hardy on August 21 and 22. These cancellations were necessitated by a mechanical failure in the vessel's main engine, emphasizing the challenges faced by the ferry service in maintaining operational reliability amidst crew and equipment shortages.