Esquimalt Drydock has won a pair of B.C. Ferries contracts worth $20 million to completely refit the Northern Sea Wolf, which is to be used on a route between Port Hardy and Bella Coola.
The vessel, which is expected to arrive in B.C. from Greece this week, will immediately head to Esquimalt. The refit is expected to be completed in April next year.
“This project will take approximately four months to complete with a peak workforce of 100 personnel of all trades,” said Joe Sansalone, general manager of Esquimalt Drydock. “Esquimalt Drydock is pleased and proud to be awarded the contract to refit the Northern Sea Wolf.”
The first contract is a $2 million docking contract for underwater components. There is a second contract worth about $18 million for interior work and safety upgrades that will be carried out by Esquimalt Drydock along with other contractors and suppliers.
The 17 year-old vessel, which was named Northern Sea Wolf after a community engagement process, was purchased for $12.6 million this year with a directive to drive tourism in north and central B.C.
It will sail from Port Hardy and Bella Coola five days per week during peak season. The vessel will also provide year-round service to Bella Bella, Shearwater and Ocean Falls.
The route between Port Hardy and Bella Coola is being restored. The tourism industry was up in arms when the province scrapped the direct service four years ago.
B.C. Ferries estimates as many as 3,500 passengers and 1,200 vehicles will be on the ferry each year.
“This major upgrade will provide significant enhancements to the customer amenities and the vessel will undoubtedly be a very welcome addition to our fleet as it travels from northern Vancouver Island to the mid-coast starting next summer,” said Mark Wilson, B.C. Ferries vice president of community engagement.
The work being done on the vessel will include interior and exterior painting, overhauling the propulsion engines and gearboxes, installing new electrical generators, upgrading the switchboards, installing new navigational equipment, and upgrading shipboard safety equipment and systems.
The vessel will also get updated crew and passenger areas, a full galley, dedicated dining area, newly configured seating lounge and prime outdoor viewing areas on the upper outer decks.
“This award to Esquimalt Drydock Company strengthens the capability of ship repair in B.C. and supports our objective of long-term, sustainable ferry service for coastal communities,” said Wilson, noting B.C. Ferries awards contracts of more than $10 million for docking at local shipyards in B.C. each year, and spends an average of $64 million on refit and in-service maintenance at B.C. shipyards
The Northern Sea Wolf was built in 2000 and will accommodate a minimum of 35 vehicles and 150 passengers and crew.
