Will allow customers to remain in their vehicles on the enclosed car deck, to help support social distancing and self-isolation.
- Number of sailings: 44,000
- Passengers: 4.8 million (+0.7%)
- Cars: 2.0 million (+1.6%)
- Total revenue for Q3 increased by $3.2 million to $210.9 million (+1.5%)
- Total revenue for Q1+Q2+Q3 increased by $33.4 million to $786.7 million (+4.4%)
- The increase in revenue is mainly a result of increased vehicle traffic, retail revenue and the provincial contribution for its portion of the fare initiatives.
- Operating expenses for Q3 increased by $7.4 million to $205.7 million (+3.7%)
- Operating expenses for Q1+Q2+Q3 increased by $27.4 million to $646.8 million (+4.4%).
The increase in operating expenses is mainly due to higher labour costs and staffing level changes.
BC Ferries Names and Christens the first Damen-Built Island Class Ferries
ISLAND DISCOVERY and ISLAND AURORA are the newest hybrid vessels to enter the fleet and will enter service in mid-2020, serving the Powell River – Texada Island and Port McNeill – Alert Bay – Sointula routes, respectively. The names were selected with community input and celebrate the beauty of the journey and the important connection to the coastal communities the ferries will soon serve.
A ceremony on 19 February began with a few words from BC Ferries and Damen Shipyards, followed by the unveiling of the ships’ names, and the christening of the hulls.
Main figures for Q2 (July-August-September):
- 48,000 sailings
- 7.7 million passengers (-1.5%)
- 2.9 million vehicles (+0.1%)
- +4.5% net earnings
Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ President & CEO: “It appears that the traffic growth has reached its peak and, coupled with the recent price cap ruling, this makes prioritizing capital expenditures even more important. All net earnings are reinvested back into the coastal ferry system, which is critical to ensure we continue to operate a resilient and affordable service.”
BC Ferries’ Hybrid Electric Island Class Are on Their Way to BC
BC Ferries’ first two hybrid electric Island Class ferries are on their way to British Columbia. The ships departed Constanta, Romania on November 20, 2019, on the semi-submersible vessel SUN RISE, for the 10,305 nautical mile journey to their new home in B.C.
Damen Shipyards Group is responsible for the transport of the ships.
The Transatlantic voyage will take approximately 40 to 45 days, depending on weather.
Econowind System is Being Tested on the DFDS Ship Lysbris Seaways
eConowind is a Dutch based company, fully dedicated to wind-assisted ship propulsion.
More About The New BC Ferries Damen Units
Last week we announced the BC Ferries order for 4 New Damen Road Ferries.
A technical datasheet of these ferries can now be consulted on the Damen website.
Damen Shipyards To Build Four More Hybrid Electric Vessels
BC Ferries continues to roll out its Clean Futures Plan and has awarded Damen Shipyards Group contracts to build four more battery electric-hybrid Island Class vessels scheduled to go into service in 2022.
In the spring of 2017, BC Ferries awarded Damen contracts to build two “first in class” of these battery electric-hybrid vessels. These vessels have successfully completed sea trials and will arrive in Victoria, B.C. by January 2020.
With the extension of the partnership between BC Ferries and Damen now confirmed, Damen will extend its agreement with Point Hope Shipyards of Victoria, B.C. to provide technical and warranty support for the new vessels with their local staff.
The Island Class is a battery-powered ferry. When electric charging technology matures to make electricity available in the quantities required, BC Ferries will operate these new ships as all-electric ferries, using clean energy. In the interim, these ships will use an on board low-sulphur diesel hybrid system.
BC Ferries announced the vessel serving the Swartz Bay – Salt Spring Island route, the SKEENA QUEEN, will be undergoing a mid-life upgrade from Oct. 28, 2019 to mid-March, 2020. This mid-life upgrade is necessary to provide required maintenance on the vessel and enhance the customer experience.
BC Ferries Raises $250 Million In Bond Financing
BC Ferries announced the closing of a CAD $250 million senior secured bond issue. The privately placed bonds, which are rated A (high) by DBRS and AA- by Standard & Poor’s, were sold to institutional investors across Canada. The bonds bear interest at 2.794% per annum and are due October 15, 2049.
BC Ferries will be building at least four new ferries to replace four existing vessels (see also in financial news). The company started a ‘conversation’ with the customers, with more than 9,600 people who responded online and 1,700 taking part in sessions on board the ships and in community workshops.
The first phase of engagement focused on nine topic areas, including: accessibility, pedestrians and cyclists, pet spaces, outdoor spaces, food and beverage, family spaces, new amenities, technology, and additional thoughts and key considerations like sustainability and future flexibility to meet changing needs.
Feedback included, for example, requests for more space and amenities for pet owners, more diversity in fresh food choices, improved areas for bicycle storage and quiet areas away from technology and noise, among other topics.