BC Ferries Removes Queen of Nanaimo from Service Due to Mechanical Issues

BC Ferries Canadian ferry operator BC Ferries informed that its vessel Queen of Nanaimo has been removed from service on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route. As disclosed, the 1964-built vessel has been withdrawn due to a mechanical problem on the starboard controllable pitch propeller. Specialized technicians are currently working to determine the exact cause of the mechanical issue, the company said. The recently delivered LNG-fueled ship Salish Eagle will continue to provide service to this route and a replacement vessel, Bowen Queen, is being brought into service. Bowen Queen began service from Long Harbour on Salt Spring Island on July 28 and will continue to service all of the Queen of Nanaimo scheduled sailings through to the end of August 2, according to BC Ferries latest update. Alternatively, travel options from Tsawwassen or Swartz Bay with a connection to Salt Spring Island or another Southern Gulf Island are available. “We apologize for this inconvenience caused by the Queen of Nanaimo’s malfunction and we are working as quickly as possible to complete the repairs. We have the Bowen Queen going into service on this route and we are making every effort to keep all sailings as scheduled,” Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ President and CEO, said.