Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Skeena-Queen

On July 17, 2022, BC Ferries announced the cancellation of 12 sailings on the 'Skeena Queen' because of crew availability issues. The specific sailings affected include: - 1:50 p.m. from Fulford Harbour - 3:00 p.m. from Swartz Bay - 3:50 p.m. from Fulford Harbour - 5:00 p.m. from Swartz Bay - 5:50 p.m. from Fulford Harbour - 7:00 p.m. from Swartz Bay - 7:50 p.m. from Fulford Harbour - 9:00 p.m. from Swartz Bay To help mitigate the inconvenience, BC Ferries has arranged for a water taxi service operating between Swartz Bay and Fulford Harbour, adhering to the regular schedule, although it can only accommodate up to 45 passengers at a time. Additionally, from July 23 through July 30, all sailings on this route from 5:50 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. will be cancelled. However, prior to the 5:50 p.m. departure, operations will return to the usual schedule, with a complimentary 48-passenger water taxi in service to replace the 'Skeena Queen' for the later sailings.

In a recent incident on the evening of November 13, 2020, the ferry 'Skeena Queen' experienced electrical difficulties that led to the cancellation of two sailings between Swartz Bay and Fulford. The vessel departed Swartz Bay at 7 p.m., but just 10 minutes into its journey, the crew was compelled to drop anchor to investigate the electrical problems. Following the assessment, the ferry made a prompt return to the dock at Swartz Bay to allow engineers to examine the issue thoroughly. Fortunately, the technical team managed to resolve the concerns, and the 'Skeena Queen' was back in operation shortly before 10 p.m. However, the 9 p.m. sailing ultimately departed Swartz Bay nearly an hour late due to the previous disruption.

On October 21, 2020, travelers between Salt Spring Island's Fulford Harbour and Swartz Bay found an alternative solution in a complimentary water taxi service after the 'Skeena Queen' faced technical difficulties. This water taxi, which accommodates up to 15 passengers, filled the gap while the 'Skeena Queen' underwent repairs for issues affecting its two electrical generators. In response, the 'Mayne Queen' stepped in to offer an additional afternoon round trip service to help accommodate the influx of passengers. Meanwhile, service on the 'Bowen Queen' continued uninterrupted, maintaining its regular schedule between Vesuvius and Crofton. Earlier, on October 18, the 'Queen of Alberni' was also pulled from the Duke Point-Tsawwassen route due to complications with its controllable pitch propeller, further highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the fleet.