BC Ferries’ 60-year-old Queen of New Westminster vessel will be out of service for approximately six months following the loss of its propeller, which was recovered from the seabed.
The incident has resulted in significant repairs, including a complete disassembly of the port and starboard propeller systems and the replacement of the tail shaft on the starboard side, which must be custom manufactured.
BC Ferries said the repairs coincide with the vessel’s annual refit, but the timeline for returning it to service remains uncertain, depending on global parts availability.
Preliminary inspections suggest the propeller shaft fracture could be related to structural fatigue.
“This situation highlights the clear need for resiliency in our fleet,” said Nicolas Jimenez, President and CEO of BC Ferries. “If we had a backup vessel available, this incident would have had minimal impact on service. It underscores the importance of our fleet renewal strategy.”
In addition to the mechanical failure, BC Ferries has admitted that the propeller’s loss caused a significant chemical leak.
“Approximately 800 litres of light hydraulic oil was released into the water as a result of the propeller loss,” BC Ferries said in a statement.
“This oil disperses quickly in the marine environment, and visual inspections by other vessels in the area have not detected any remaining oil sheen on the water.”
BC Ferries immediately contacted the Canadian Coast Guard following the leak and is working with them to mitigate any potential environmental impact.
The propeller, weighing approximately 10,000 pounds, took two days to recover, as the operation was conducted at night to ensure crew safety and avoid disruption to service.
“Our skilled technical teams are leading the repair effort,” said Stephen Jones, Vice President of Engineering. “We are confident we will complete these substantial repairs and return the vessel to service as quickly and safely as possible.”
The full impact on the sailing schedule is still being assessed.
All sailings of the Queen of New Westminster had been previously canceled through September 30th, and the Tsawwassen (Vancouver) – Swartz Bay (Victoria) route has been revised to include an alternate vessel.
BC Ferries is also reviewing options to add sailings with other vessels and make adjustments to the refit schedule.
“Our priority is to accommodate customers on other vessels, including adding sailings on the Coastal Celebration and Coastal Renaissance where possible,” added Jimenez.
BC Ferries will continue to provide updates on the repair process, scheduling changes, and any customer impacts.
