Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Powell-River-Queen

The decommissioning process for the iconic 'Bowen Queen' and 'Powell River Queen', vessels that once served the waters since 1964 and 1965 respectively, is now in full swing along the Fraser River in Surrey, B.C. As of February 5, significant progress has been made with the bridge of the 'Bowen Queen' being detached from its foundation and carefully relocated onto the car deck, marking a poignant moment in maritime history as these beloved ferries prepare to bid farewell after decades of service.

In a recent development within the maritime industry, a notable vessel has found its new fate as it has been sold to breakers for scrapping. This transfer signals the end of its service, making way for new ships to dominate the waters. As the shipyards prepare for the dismantling process, this sale marks a significant event in maritime trade, reflecting ongoing trends in vessel lifecycle management.

BC Ferries is dedicated to fostering local employment by embarking on a recycling initiative for the retired vessels, the 'Bowen Queen' and 'Powell River Queen'. This significant project will be executed by Marine Recycling Corporation (MRC) at the Esquimalt Graving Dock, a facility under federal management, with the final recycling processes to take place in Surrey. The initiative is expected to engage up to 25 workers from Point Hope Maritime in Victoria at their satellite location in Esquimalt. Additionally, the fleet may see the dismantling of other aging vessels like the 'Mayne Queen' and the 'Quadra Queen II' in the foreseeable future, further enhancing marine recycling efforts in British Columbia.