The MV Nimpkish will continue to act as the replacement vessel for the Northern Sea Wolf until this spring. In a news release BC Ferries said that the MV Nimpkish will continue to serve the Central Coast Connector route (Bella Bella – Ocean Falls – Shearwater – Bella Coola) on a revised schedule until May 2020.
The Northern Sea Wolf sustained damage to both of its propellers after striking a log on Nov. 22, 2019 and has been removed from service for dry docking and repairs. Due to the design work for the refit, long lead time required for some items related to the repairs and dry dock availability, the work will take several months.
All customers booked on the Northern Sea Wolf will be accommodated on the MV Nimpkish sailings, which will run on a modified schedule.
Customers on the Nimpkish experienced quite the sailing when the ship entered Bella Coola coated in ice several weeks ago.
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As an annual certification and refit was scheduled for the Northern Sea Wolf in Spring 2020, this work will now combine with the repairs in the interest of efficiency. The upcoming refit work on the Northern Sea Wolf includes shaft brake installation, work on the main engine and insulation to remedy noise and heat levels in the engine room.
Once the repair and refit is complete, the Northern Sea Wolf will return to service on the Central Coast Connector route prior to the peak season. An update on the return to service date will be released as soon as the information becomes available.