BC Ferries’ Coastal Renaissance to return to service Monday
Posted March 1, 2024 7:28 pm.
Last Updated March 3, 2024 4:41 pm.
A major vessel in the BC Ferries fleet is set to return to service on Monday after being out of commission for several months.
The Coastal Renaissance, which runs between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, has completed sea trials and is ready to resume its route.
The ship was taken out of service in August after it was docked due to an engine problem. It was originally expected to be out for only a couple of days, but its return faced multiple setbacks. After some work, the company said the vessel was supposed to be back on the water in time for the holidays, but technicians found another problem just as they were doing final safety inspections.
In December, BC Ferries confirmed repairs were on track to be completed in March. A month later, it released sailing schedules through to June, saying there would be no change to the number of passengers or vehicles that it could transport.
While the Coastal Renaissance has been out of service, other vessels, such as the Queen of Coquitlam and the Coastal Inspiration, had been used to cover the route at various times.
The ferry’s first sailing will be at 7 a.m. Monday, departing from Swartz Bay.
With files from Srushti Gangdev, Pippa Norman, and Charlie Carey.
