Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Queen-Of-New-West

On March 24, 2026, the 'Queen of New Westminster' faced a mechanical setback due to a malfunction in its pitch control system. This issue resulted in the cancellation of four sailings along the popular Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen route. Fortunately, the vessel was able to return to operation by 4 p.m. from Tsawwassen, with all subsequent sailings anticipated to proceed as planned. Passengers are encouraged to check for updates on sailing schedules.

On June 25, a medical emergency aboard the 'Queen of Westminster' disrupted the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay ferry service. A passenger required urgent medical assistance, prompting the ferry to return to Tsawwassen for treatment. Consequently, the 6 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay faced significant delays, with the subsequent 10 a.m. departure delayed by an additional 73 minutes. Additional impacts were felt as the 12 p.m. leaving from Swartz Bay, along with the 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. sailings from Tsawwassen, also experienced delays. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed by checking the BC Ferries website for the latest updates on their sailing schedules.

BC Ferries proudly announced the return of the 'Queen of New Westminster' to its operational fleet on March 14, 2025, just in time to meet the increased demand of the spring travel season. This vital vessel operates the busy route between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay and had been sidelined for nearly 200 days due to significant repairs and scheduled maintenance. The ship was taken out of service in September following a serious failure of its propulsion system caused by structural fatigue that led to the propeller shaft detachment. The comprehensive repair process included the replacement of both propeller shafts, necessary fixes to the rudder system, hull repairs, and protective coating applications. In total, the repairs amounted to $5.5 million, coupled with additional refit expenses, resulting in a staggering $8.5 million in lost revenue during the vessel's downtime.

The 'Queen of New Westminster' faced significant engine troubles, leading to the cancellation of nearly 30 sailings on the Swartz Bay - Tsawwassen route from September 4 to September 8. The issue was identified on September 3 during the 6 a.m. sailing to Vancouver Island, necessitating the vessel's return to Vancouver for essential repairs. Initially, seven sailings were impacted; however, BC Ferries later announced additional cancellations commencing on September 4. Despite these interruptions, other sailings on this vital route are expected to run as planned.