By Mark Edward Nero
Cable ferry Baynes Sound Connector, which debuted early this year, will be removed from service from Oct. 24 to Nov. 19 for warranty maintenance, according to the vessel’s operator, British Columbia ferry service provider BC Ferries.
Planned work includes paint repairs, equipment servicing and other activities that can’t be accommodated during an overnight shut down. The out of service period, according to BC Ferries, allows shipyard personnel safe access to the vessel without disrupting customers. The work will be conducted locally at the Buckley Bay terminal.
The Baynes Sound Connector is BC Ferries’ newest vessel and first cable ferry; it operates between Buckley Bay and Denman Island.
It commenced soft sailings in January 2016, and as of Aug. 30, it had completed more than 6,500 sailings and carried more than 168,700 vehicles, plus performed 296 shuttle sailings above contract requirements, since its initial introduction into service.
In July and August 2016, the vessel completed 38 more round trips and carried 4,407 more vehicles than would have been possible with the previous vessel, according to its operator.
BC Ferries says the vessel is able to perform more shuttle runs per day than the vessel it replaced, as it docks, unloads and reloads quicker. It also consumes 50 percent less fuel than the previous vessel.
While the Baynes Sound Connector is out of commission, the M/V Quinitsa will provide service with no change in service level or schedule, BC Ferries said.
