‘Queen of Oak Bay’ to undergo upgrade

BC Ferries' 'Queen of Oak Bay' is commencing the first phase of a multi-million dollar three-quarter life upgrade at Seaspan's Vancouver Drydock in Canada.

The vessel's upgrade will include safety and mechanical improvements such as renewal of piping and equipment, propulsion overhaul and replacement, electrical distribution upgrades, upgraded elevators, large-scale steel renewal, and energy efficiency upgrades and new regulatory surveys.

BC Ferries' Vice President of Engineering, Mark Wilson, said the project was part of a CA$150 million (US$132 million) package that the operator will spend in British Columbia on annual vessel maintenance, refits, and upgrades.

The 33-year old 'Queen of Oak Bay' carries 360 vehicles and 1,488 passengers and crew. Following the first phase of this major project, the vessel will return to the Horseshoe Bay–Departure Bay route in February 2015.

Image Source: Louise Janes