Western Pacific Marine is getting prepared for our spring refit and summer service. The system is still under Covid -19 protocols until the Marine Branch allows the vessels to once again open our lounges and washrooms to the public. Students will continue to have access to the lounge on the MV Osprey and MV Balfour.
Starting on April 6, 2021 and continuing until May 7, 2021 the MV Balfour will be replacing the MV Osprey 2000 for the spring refit. This lengthy refit is required to replace deck hatches on the vessel and also to allow for sand blasting of the car deck surfaces.
The MV Osprey is now 20 years old and this maintenance is necessary as weather and winter exposure to sand and salt have taken a toll on the deck plating.
Summer season will start on June 18, 2021 until September 12, 2021 with the traditional two vessel service schedule.
Terminal construction is starting the end of March and continuing through the summer. It is anticipated that the period of time for the construction will be very challenging for the Balfour community and the travelling public. Western Pacific Marine has a minimal role with the terminal project and the highway traffic control which is provided by the project contractor.
The replacement vessel for the MV. Balfour is not yet under construction however building site preparations are starting this month and I have been assured the finished vessel will be in place in time for the 2023 summer service.
Captain Bryan Coe, March 5, 2021
One Response
Thank you for the information, it is helpful to know what to expect. I hope the travelling public will not be discouraged from using the ferry because of the terminal project. The financial impact on the East Shore was devastating when the ferry was on strike, and we cannot imagine the impact of a whole summer without normal ferry traffic.