What Crew Members Say About Queen-Of-Burnaby

The decommissioned ferry, 'Queen of Burnaby', which has been sitting idle in Union Bay since November 2021, has embarked on a new journey back to B.C. Ferries' facilities in Richmond. The tow occurred on May 12, 2022, marking a significant step in the ferry's long history since its decommissioning in 2017. As the refit season wraps up, the Richmond facility is now able to accommodate the evaluation of recycling options for the aging vessel while adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations. Once a prominent figure in British Columbia's maritime landscape, the 'Queen of Burnaby' made headlines in 2018 when it was auctioned for a staggering $650,000. Unfortunately for potential buyers, the deal collapsed, and the ferry has since remained under the ownership of B.C. Ferries. According to auction details, any buyer would have been responsible for ensuring the ferry's dismantling was conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, utilizing appropriate safety measures due to its history of leaking hydraulic oil and containing hazardous materials, including asbestos. Concerns from nearby residents in Union Bay have escalated over worries of disassembly at a local ship-breaking site that was once an old log-sorting area. In response, the Comox Valley Regional District filed a notice of civil claim against ship-breaking activities at 5084 Island Highway on April 14, aiming to halt operations conducted by Deep Water Recovery. Local authorities argue that the current land use is inconsistent with industrial marine zoning regulations, and the CVRD board has formally backed legal measures to cease ship-breaking at this location. This legal process is anticipated to unfold over the coming months as the community voices its concerns. For those interested, a detailed report along with visual coverage can be found at the Times Colonist.

The recent docking of the retired ferry 'Queen of Burnaby' at a mooring site off Union Bay, Vancouver Island, has sparked environmental concerns among local residents. Previously a part of B.C. Ferries’ Comox-Powell River route, the vessel was brought to moorage next to an abandoned log-sorting facility after departing from Nanaimo on October 14, 2021. Reports indicate that the company Deep Water Recovery intends to commence the deconstruction of old vessels in this location. Since its retirement from service in 2017, the ferry has been listed for sale with plans for recycling, while B.C. Ferries continues to assess proposals from companies committed to adhering to stringent safety and environmental recycling standards. The vessel was recently shifted by tugboat from the B.C. Ferries Fleet Maintenance Unit in Richmond to its interim moorage in Union Bay to accommodate other servicing vessels. Additionally, arrangements are in place for ongoing inspections of the ferry, with Deep Water Recovery implementing a comprehensive environmental strategy that ensures the removal of all hydrocarbons before vessels arrive on site.

The auction for the iconic 'Queen of Burnaby' came to a close on January 4, with the winning bid reaching an impressive $653,356.20, including all applicable taxes and fees. The sale, hosted on govdeals.ca, attracted a total of 281 bids, highlighting the competitive interest in the vessel. Currently, the ferry has been laid up in Richmond. Potential buyers should be aware that the 'Queen of Burnaby' has reported issues, including hydraulic oil leaks and the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos, rendering it unfit for sailing. This auction follows a previous attempt in February 2017, during which the ship received only a single bid of $425,000 before taxes and fees. The ferry corporation will now conduct a thorough evaluation of the highest bidder to proceed with the sale.