BC Ferries on track for record summer as union claims vessel maintenance is rushed

As we head toward the Labour Day long weekend, BC Ferries says it is on track for a record summer after a significant jump in passenger traffic compared to last year.

That has also meant a significant increase in “drive-up” customers at the terminals resulting in more summer sailing waits for travellers without reservations.

“For June and July, we’ve seen a 1.6 per cent increase in total passengers, with 5.16 million traveling in June and July 2024, compared to the same period last year. And a three per cent increase in vehicle traffic, with 2.08 million vehicles transported in June and July 2024,” said Ritinder Matthew, director of media and issues for BC Ferries.

Matthew adds that by the time the Labour Day weekend ends, the service will likely have seen its busiest season ever.

“There was a lot of preparation put in prior to this season starting which put us in a much stronger position this year compared to last year and I think that really paid off,” Matthew told 1130 NewsRadio.

In May, BC Ferries announced it had hired hundreds of new employees, was adding extra sailings, and was optimizing refit schedules to ensure its vessels were ready for the summer.

“That said, this summer hasn’t been without its challenges. Our fleet is aging. Several vessels have been in service for more than 50 years, and the Queen of New Westminster just turned 60 a few weeks ago. Despite our best efforts, we’ve had the occasional cancelled sailings due to mechanical issues,” Matthew said.

Union claims vessels being rushed back into service ‘prematurely’ after maintenance

But the union representing BC Ferries workers suggests some of those breakdowns could have been avoided.

“I would say there have been some issues,” said Captain Chris Klassen, president of the Ships’ Officers’ Component of the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union.

“Typically, BC Ferries runs a pretty good maintenance program but lately ships are being put out prematurely, I would say. There are items called ‘entry into service’ checklists and these are being expedited,” he shared.

Klassen says the vessels may meet regulatory standards but he claims that running — or routine — maintenance “could be questioned a little bit” as the company rushes vessels back into service.

“That’s why we have these breakdowns that occur more frequently. I think that has an impact on the customers. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily been smooth sailing.”

Klassen insists engineers and trades workers do a great job maintaining the ferries but there are “commercial pressures” for the company to provide sailings.

“So the ships come out quicker than they should in some cases, and the consequences are felt by the travelling public with the breakdowns.”

Klassen also believes issues with recruitment and staffing have yet to be fully solved.

“I think we are seeing fewer staffing shortages, but we are still short-staffed. You can see it in the notices that come out about the services not being provided, like the van driver who picks up the luggage, for example. It’s one less crew member which consequently affects the ‘safe manning’ of the vessel, which lowers the licence requirement for the vessel, which means fewer passengers can be carried.”

BC Ferries is refuting that claim, saying adjustments to baggage service have been made when necessary due to staff availability, but the changes have not impacted passenger counts. 

The company is also reassuring that refits and significant maintenance are carried out properly.

“While time pressure is a normal part of operations, our Engineering Officers ensure that all maintenance work is carried out effectively and safely, following established procedures. Immediately following any refit or significant maintenance,” explained Matthew.

“Our vessels are thoroughly commissioned and tested to identify and resolve any issues before returning to service,” Matthew said.

For its part, BC Ferries says it recognizes the inconvenience summer cancellations have caused and it “truly appreciates our customers’ patience and understanding” while pointing to future fleet replacements.

“Looking ahead, we know that we need new and larger ships to meet growing demand. We have a comprehensive vessel renewal strategy in place to replace our aging fleet and increase capacity in line with projected population growth on the coast,” said Matthew.

That includes up to seven new major vessels expected to carry up to 360 standard-sized vehicles and 2,100 passengers, compared to the 250-310 vehicles and 1,200-1,500 passengers retiring vessels can accommodate.

Klassen says he hopes the public understands the pressures BC Ferries is under, including the crew.

“With the limited number of vessels available, the crew is working hard to keep them moving and the public travelling.”

BC Ferries says the first of the new major vessels is due to enter service in 2029, with the rest by 2033.