BC Ferries has announced that a near three-month refit of the Queen of Burnaby will leave the Queen of Chilliwack servicing the Powell River to Comox route from September 26 through to mid-December.
The $12 million project includes an overhaul of the vessel’s generators, engine and propulsion system, a modernization of the elevator, steel renewal, the installation of a new sewage treatment holding tank, abatement of asbestos containing materials and new flooring in the washrooms. The work will also involve regulatory surveys and a renewal of the annual safety inspection certificate.
To accommodate the slower speed of the Queen of Chilliwack, a modified schedule will be in place while the vessel is on the route. During its time on the route the vessel will leave Comox at 5:30 and 10 am daily, as well as 2:30 and 7 pm. From Powell River the vessel will depart at 7:45 am and 12:15, 4:45 and 9:05 pm.
BC Ferries is reminding riders that the Queen of Chilliwack has a smaller capacity than the Queen of Burnaby, so overloads may occur. Thursday, Friday and Sunday tend to be the busiest days for the ferries and reservations are recommended during peak times.
Restrictions for certain types of commercial vehicles may also be necessary due to the vessel’s configuration. Commercial customers should call 1.888.BCFERRY (223.3779) for more information.
As part of the recent life extension work on the Queen of Chilliwack, the car deck has been divided into three compartments. Loading patterns for the ship may be different than in previous years and during certain weather patterns.
The vessel will undergo more life extension work in January 2012.
In 2010 the Queen of Chilliwack serviced the Powell River-Comox route from October 12 to December 20. Out of 548 runs, 456, or 83.2 per cent, left within 10 minutes of scheduled sailing time. A total of 10 sailings had overloads, leaving 102 vehicles behind.
