BC Ferries’ cable ferry, the Baynes Sound Connector, will depart Seaspan’s
Vancouver Shipyards in North Vancouver tonight, bound for Buckley Bay
on Vancouver Island.
The Baynes Sound Connector will be towed to its new location by Seaspan tugs. The
journey is expected to take approximately 10 hours. The ship will travel via the Salish Sea and is
expected to arrive at Buckley Bay in the morning of Wednesday, August 26.
“This is major milestone for the cable ferry project as we get another step closer to
introducing our newest vessel, the Baynes Sound Connector, into service on the Buckley Bay –
Denman Island route,” said Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Engineering. “Seaspan’s
Vancouver Shipyards have built a fine ship that will serve our customers well for decades to
come.”
“Seaspan is proud of its long-standing relationship with BC Ferries to build and repair
ships for the people of British Columbia,” said Brian Carter, President, Seaspan Shipyards.
“Vancouver Shipyards was honoured to construct BC Ferries’ first ever cable ferry and we look
forward to continuing our successful partnership with them on future vessels.”
The Baynes Sound Connector will be connected to the three cables that have already been
laid. In August and September, BC Ferries’ crews will undergo extensive training and familiarization
on the cable ferry in preparation for passenger and vehicle service.
After receiving certification from Transport Canada (including final crew complement) and classification society Lloyd’s Register, the cable ferry will enter service this fall. The vessel will be based at the Denman West terminal.
An open house will be held in the fall to showcase the vessel to the public. Stay tuned for
details.
This cable ferry provides BC Ferries with projected cost savings of over $80 million over the
40-year life of the project compared to the current service, and these significant cost savings will
help with fare affordability across the coastal ferry system.
The Baynes Sound Connector measures 78.5 metres and can accommodate 50 vehicles and
150 passengers and crew. The cable ferry will operate with one drive cable and two guide cables. It
is capable of speeds of 8.5 knots with a normal service speed of 7.5 knots.
(Story contributed by BC Ferries, photo courtesy of Dave Roels,
Marine and Portrait Photographer)
