March 13, 2025
Queen of New Westminster returns to service as BC Ferries manages a complex refit season
VICTORIA, BC – After nearly 200 days out of service for extensive repairs and scheduled maintenance, the 60-year-old Queen of New Westminster will return to service on March 14, just in time for Spring Break.
The ship has been out of service since September after a failure in the propeller shaft caused the propeller to detach – an issue attributed to structural fatigue, an increasing risk as vessels exceed their intended lifespan. Given the extent of the damage, crews fully disassembled the propulsion system, replacing one damaged propeller shaft and proactively replacing the other to ensure future reliability. Additional inspections uncovered further issues, requiring repairs to the rudder system, hull, and protective coatings.
These unplanned repairs totaled $5.5 million, on top of scheduled refit costs, and resulted in an estimated $8.5 million in lost revenue while the vessel was out of service. More importantly, its extended absence required fleet-wide adjustments to keep service running smoothly, adding pressure to other vessels in the system.
This vessel’s return marks a major step in BC Ferries’ broader fleet maintenance program, which ensures ships remain safe, reliable, and ready for peak travel periods. With more than three dozen vessels in operation, these refits must be precisely coordinated, as any delays can create system-wide impacts, requiring adjustments to vessel deployment and schedules.
While the return of the Queen of New Westminster is welcome news, fleet maintenance is an ongoing and essential process. Earlier this week, an issue was identified during the scheduled refit of the 43-year-old Queen of Oak Bay. The vessel’s tail shaft bearings require additional repairs, delaying its return to service. This subsequently impacted the scheduled drydock period for the Spirit of Vancouver Island, which was originally set to enter the drydock phase of its refit period on March 10 but has now been rescheduled to March 17, with the vessel returning to service on March 31.
To maintain service as much as possible during Spring Break, BC Ferries has adjusted schedules. The Queen of New Westminster will cover 16 of the 23 affected round trips on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route during Spring Break. However, some sailings will operate with reduced capacity due to vessel size differences. Further adjustments will be required as the Queen of Surrey, originally scheduled for refit in March, must now remain in service longer to provide coverage for the Queen of Oak Bay. As a result, the Queen of Surrey’s refit has been rescheduled, impacting travel between Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay-Langdale over Easter weekend.
These challenges underscore the increasing complexity of maintaining an aging fleet. The Queen of New Westminster, Queen of Oak Bay, and Queen of Surrey were all built in the 1960s and 1980s, meaning their maintenance now requires more time, specialized parts with long lead times, and meticulous inspections to ensure ongoing safety and reliability.
"Aging ships have more frequent, unpredictable breakdowns that take longer to fix, and without timely investments in fleet renewal, extended out-of-service periods may become increasingly difficult to avoid. The upcoming decision by the Ferries Commissioner on our proposal for five new major vessels will be a pivotal step in ensuring long-term service reliability," said Stephen Jones, Vice President of Engineering at BC Ferries. "Our engineering team is truly world class in how it keeps our ships in working order, but without approval of all five new major vessels, the risks of costly and lengthy breakdowns will continue to challenge our ability to meet customer expectations."
While BC Ferries invests more than $160 million annually in local shipyards for vessel maintenance, the reality is that aging ships require increasing time and resources to keep them operational. The company has proposed building five New Major Vessels and extending the life of two existing ships, adding a net new vessel to the system to improve service reliability and reduce the risks associated with running an aging fleet. The upcoming decision by the BC Ferries Commissioner, expected to be made public on March 31, will be key in shaping the ability of BC Ferries to meet growing demand.
Spring Break is one of BC Ferries’ busiest travel periods, with many families taking advantage of school holidays for getaways and travel to Vancouver Island or the mainland. Higher-than-usual demand is expected this year, and customers are encouraged to plan ahead, book in advance, and check schedules regularly for updates.
"Reliable ferry service is essential for connecting people, communities, and local businesses, especially as more British Columbians choose to explore their own backyard and support BC’s tourism economy this Spring Break," said Melanie Lucia, Vice President of Customer Experience. "We’ve worked hard to return this vessel to service in time for Spring Break, but these recent refit challenges are a clear reminder that fleet renewal is critical to ensuring reliable service for customers today and into the future."
"We are at a critical juncture," added Lucia."Demand is rising, and our fleet must keep pace. Our ability to invest in new vessels is essential to reducing service disruptions and ensuring we continue to provide reliable service for our customers."
For the latest sailing schedules, availability, and booking options, visit www.bcferries.com.
Video Link: Queen of New Westminster returning to service
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