Derek Kilbourn
Sounder News
The Island Class ferries are not able to dock at the Duke Point ferry terminal, according to BC Ferries staff. This past summer, there was an incident where one of the ferries serving the Gabriola route became stuck in Nanaimo Harbour. Due to this, vehicle ferry service was terminated for the evening, and BC Ferries hired a water taxi to transport people back to Gabriola Island.
On the Gabriola side of the route, the Descanso Bay terminal was still usable.
Later in the summer, another incident saw a semi-truck get stuck on the loading ramp in Descanso Bay, causing all sailings that night to be cancelled, stranding people in cars on the ferry waiting for the truck to be removed. No water taxi service was offered that evening by BC Ferries for those still waiting in Nanaimo to get home.
BC Ferries was queried as to why – when Nanaimo Harbour was down – they did not shift to using Duke Point to get vehicles back to Gabriola.
In 2011, when an asphalt truck damaged the Nanaimo Harbour ramp, the Quinsam (then Gabriola’s ferry) was rerouted to Duke Point for the three weeks it took for the ramp to be repaired.
The MV Quinsam at dock at Duke Point in 2011, when the Gabriola route was re-directed temporarily due to damage to the Nanaimo Harbour loading ramp. Sounder file photo
Liza Yuzda, Senior Communications Advisor with BC Ferries, provided some answers.
She writes that BC Ferries staff, “understand the significant impact that service disruptions can have on our customers and communities. When disruptions occur, we take a comprehensive approach to service recovery, evaluating several key factors such as vessel availability, crew certifications (as crews are cleared for specific routes), terminal configurations, and the unique needs of affected routes.
“While moving vessels between routes may seem like a straightforward solution, it’s often more complex, and we try to avoid it except in cases of long-term issues on major routes.”
According to Yuzda, for the mid-Island and Southern Gulf Islands, staff recognizes the distinct challenges these areas face, including terminal compatibility and limited alternative docking options.
“Our Island Class vessels, for instance, cannot safely dock at certain terminals like Duke Point, as the shore interface poses safety risks. This limits our ability to use these terminals as alternatives during incidents like the disruption at Gabriola Island, where disembarkation delays left few options.”
In terms of water taxi services, BC Ferries has established agreements with vetted vendors through a rigorous procurement process to ensure they meet BC Ferries’ stringent safety, security, and insurance standards. When the semi-truck became stuck, no water taxi was provided that night. BC Ferries staff said at the time that the incident happened too late at night to bring in a taxi.
The Nanaimo Port Authority has a Harbour Patrol Vessel which is utilized at night by emergency services after the ferry has ceased normal operations. BC Ferries was asked why that vessel was not utilized.
Yuzda wrote, “while we occasionally work with non-contracted providers, this is rare and only done after thorough vetting. Night travel decisions are also made by providers based on their own safety protocols. In the case of the Nanaimo Port Authority, they chose not to submit a bid to provide services with BC Ferries.
“When water taxis are the most effective response, especially on short notice, we act swiftly to secure them. However, they are not always the best option. For some routes, such as the Southern Gulf Islands, adjusting the schedule of vessels already in operation can be a more practical and timely solution.”
Yuzda added, “looking ahead, we are committed to continuously exploring ways to enhance our service recovery strategies, especially for areas like the mid-Island and Southern Gulf Islands.”
We want to hear from you: the Sounder is seeking out members of the public who may have had to stay in Nanaimo or make other accommodations during the incidents this past summer. If you or a family member are still waiting for BC Ferries to provide reimbursement for the costs incurred, please contact the Sounder at 250-247-9337 or email derek@soundernews.com
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