Ferries acquires Greek vessel for Port HardyBella Coola run
A Greek vessel is leaving the warmth of the Mediterranean for B.C. waters where it will restore direct service on the Port Hardy-Bella Coola run in 2018.
B.C. Ferries is finalizing the $12.6-million purchase of Seajets’ 246-foot-long Aqua Spirit. It will have room for 35 vehicles and 150 passengers and crew members. Built in 2000, the ferry will be refurbished, repainted and renamed prior to going into service.
Its 10-hour trip will run five days a week during the daytime to maximize tourism potential, B.C. Ferries said. The direct Port Hardy-Bella Coola service will be offered from June 19 to Sept. 14. The ferry will also serve Bella Bella, Ocean Falls and Shearwater in the summer as well as in the off-season.
The agency is consulting with the mid-coast community to discuss the exact sailing schedule, naming the vessel and onboard amenities.
Tourism operators on Vancouver Island and in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region are thrilled to see what they consider a vital Vancouver Island link returning.
“It should make a big difference because it is going to offer the circle tour up the Island and then they will be coming across the Cariboo-Chilcotin,” said Bill Van Es, owner of Escott Bay Resort in Anahim Lake.
Cutting the direct link had a “devastating effect on some of our operators,” he said Wednesday.
Van Es said that his business dropped by about 25 to 30 per cent while others more reliant on European tourists saw losses of close to 80 per cent. The local tourism association has estimated millions of dollars in revenue have been lost as a result.
The province announced in late 2013 that it was cancelling the direct service, saying it lost $7 million a year. It sold the Queen of Chilliwack ferry, which was able to carry 115 vehicles.
The smaller 44-year-old MV Nimpkish, at about 108 feet long, is providing service that remains.
Buying the Aqua Spirit was approved this week by the B.C. Ferries Commissioner. After the province reversed its decision, announcing last September that a direct service would return in 2018, B.C. Ferries started looking internationally for vessels.
“We looked at numerous ships on the global market using both experienced ship brokers and direct contacts,” said Mark Collins, Ferries president and CEO.
“We believe this vessel, with its strong sea-keeping ability, size and enhanced amenities will provide an excellent experience for customers exploring the spectacular Great Bear Rainforest.”
Ferries takes possession of the ship in August. It will be painted B.C. Ferries colours in Europe prior to arriving in B.C.
The ferry purchase is part of a $201-million Ferries expenditure plan. The federal government is contributing $60 million and the province announced Wednesday that it is chipping in $15 million.
Ferries is also aiming to have two new shuttle vessels built to serve Powell River-Texada Island and Port McNeill-Alert Bay-Sointula.
Aqua Spirit improvements will be completed between September and spring 2018. Mechanical improvements for the ferry, which runs on marine diesel fuel, are also planned.