BC Ferries adds summer sailings, removes fuel charge after 'frustrating' 2023 season

BC Ferries will add 350 more sailings to its schedule this summer and remove its fuel surcharge as the ferry operator looks to avoid a repeat of last summer's travel frustrations caused by mechanical problems and staff shortages.

BC Ferries will add 350 more sailings to its schedule this summer and remove its fuel surcharge as the ferry operator looks to avoid a repeat of last summer's travel frustrations caused by mechanical problems and staff shortages.

The ferry service says it has regularized many of its formerly casual staff positions, and current casual staff have been given better compensation and working conditions than in years past to help remedy the crew shortages.

The company says it hired 1,200 new staff last year and 500 new staff this year. The operator has also tightened its vessel refit and repair schedule to ensure more vessels are available for peak summer season, the company says.

"It's no secret that last summer, we had a number of challenges," BC Ferries spokesperson Jeff Groot told reporters in Victoria on Wednesday. "We're in a much better place."

The ferry service anticipates completing around 56,000 sailings along the B.C. coast in 2024, up from 55,600 last year.

"When we look at the ferry system as a public service, we understand that it's frustrating to our customers when things don't go according to the plan," said Darren Johnston, vice-president of marine operations at BC Ferries.