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BCGEU members land $20 million contract to refit B.C. ferry

After the retrofit, the Northern Sea Wolf, a 17-year-old vessel, will accommodate approximately 3,500 passengers and 1,200 vehicles each year on a route between Port Hardy and Bella Coola.

Vancouver (02 Jan. 2018) — Members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) employed at the Esquimalt Drydock Company will begin work on a B.C. Ferries contract worth $20 million to refit the Northern Sea Wolf. The 17-year-old vessel will accommodate approximately 3,500 passengers and 1,200 vehicles each year on a route between Port Hardy and Bella Coola.

BCGEU/NUPGE members at Esquimalt Drydock have extensive experience in ship repair as welders, mechanics, labourers, painters and electricians. Working alongside trades people hired by B.C. Ferries, BCGEU/NUPGE members completed a mid-life upgrade of the Queen of Cumberland in 2016 which now services the Southern Gulf Islands.

The BCGEU/NUPGE congratulates its members on this great success, and thank them for their hard work to make B.C. ferries safer, and more comfortable for the traveling public.