A significant mid-life upgrade to the BC Ferries’ Queen of Capilano in the tune of $12 million is slated for the new year.
From January 5 to May 5, 2015, the ferry’s upgrade will prepare it for “another 20 years of safe and reliable service,” according to BC Ferries.
While the Queen of Capilano gets her much-needed facelift, the Bowen Queen will be used to service the Bowen Island-Horseshoe Bay route.
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The refit will include extensive upgrades in the areas of safety, mechanical and customer service improvements.
Some of the improvements are:
- Installation of gallery decks: increasing capacity from approximately 85 to 100 vehicles
- Installation of a new entrance/exit for walk-on passengers in the upper lounge
- Installation of a new evacuation system and replacement of the rescue boat
- Installation of a pet area
- Complete elevator system overhaul
- Upgrade of stairwell and disabled washroom
- Upgrade of the ship intercom and public address system
Due to the Bowen Queen having a lower vehicle capacity compared to the Queen of Capilano, BC Ferries will be adding additional services to help head off potential overload situations. A direct-to-downtown bus shuttle, discounted parking at the Horseshoe Bay terminal, additional sailings and assured loading for high-occupancy vehicles during commuter sailings to Bowen Island will all be put into place.
BC Ferries said they worked during the past year to identify potential issues due to the
Bowen Queen assuming the route and believes this refit should be “much smoother than the previous experience for all of us.”
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