The company plans to award contracts called master services agreements to more than one company starting in the second quarter of this year.
B.C. Ferries is investigating the idea of awarding multimillion-dollar contracts of up to 10 years to B.C. shipyards, booking blocks of time in drydock for refits and repairs.
“Not only is this more cost-effective, but it means we can get our ships back in the water faster, reducing any impact this work has on our ability to provide service for our customers,” company spokesman Jeff Groot said.
The company is looking at awarding contracts called master services agreements to more than one company starting in the second quarter of this year.
Vessels would be bundled into two or more groups for companies to bid on.
The estimated contracted cost of drydocking ferries over the next five years is $14.5 million, B.C. Ferries said.
The company has published a request for expressions of interest to provide drydock services, an opportunity that closes March 25. The goal is to test market interest, identify companies able to handle the work, and learn what drydocks are available and how they could accommodate ferries.
B.C. Ferries requires drydocking for routine maintenance or refits, which are planned on a 10-year schedule. It also needs access to a drydock when emergencies arise.
The company typically awards individual contracts for specific vessels needing to go into drydock, but about five years ago it bundled seven vessels to Point Hope Maritime.
View Full Article Here