BC Ferries restructures and downsizes

In a week when it took delivery of a new ship from German shipbuilders, leading Canadian ferry operator BC Ferries announced a major restructuring and downsizing programme that will primarily affect management and administrative positions at its West Coast Canada operations.

‘In the face of a significant drop in ferry ridership and the resulting adverse impact on revenues, we must act to reduce the company’s management and administrative costs,’ said BC Ferries’ President and CEO David L. Hahn. ‘To date, we have transitioned approximately 35 management and administrative positions, including several senior management and director level positions. While no front line or ship based employees are directly impacted at this time by the corporate restructuring, further changes and possible lay-offs are anticipated in shore-based positions including unionised staff.’

Meanwhile, last week BC Ferris took delivery of its new Northern Route vessel, Northern Expedition, from Germany’s FSG Shipyard. The 150m cruise ferry is now on her way from Flensburg to British Columbia via the Panama Canal, a voyage expected to take 35 days. 

Northern Expedition will enter service on BC Ferries’ Inside Passage route between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert in May, running alongside the 2007-delivered Northern Adventurer. The new ship can carry 600 passengers and 130 vehicles and also offers 55 passenger cabins. Sphere: Related Content