New Vancouver-Nanaimo ferry service cancels inaugural sailings due to wind, power outage
Hullo scraps all sailings on Monday
There was no smooth sailing for the launch of a new ferry service across the Salish Sea on Monday.
The inaugural sailings of Hullo, the new foot-passenger service between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver, were cancelled due to weather and power issues according to its operator, the Vancouver Island Ferry Company.
While some late afternoon sailings initially remained on Hullo's schedule, an update posted at 3:05 p.m. PT Monday confirmed none of the sailings scheduled for Monday would go ahead.
Hullo chief executive officer Alastair Caddick told CBC on Monday morning that a power outage in Nanaimo on Sunday night affected the berth and vessels and that it was crucial for the company to run an impact assessment across all systems to make sure it was safe to sail.
"We made the right decision, although it's a difficult decision," said Caddick.
Environment Canada has issued an alert concerning high winds for Vancouver Island. That alert says winds could reach up to 30 knots (55 km/h) south of Nanaimo on Monday and could continue until Tuesday.
Caddick added that the company was taking a "deliberately conservative approach" when it came to running sailings.
Travellers can learn the status of their sailing by visiting hullo.com for up-to-date information. Caddick said Hullo will provide full refunds to passengers who had their Monday sailings cancelled.
Hullo customer Scott Neis was excited about the prospect of riding on the maiden voyage to Vancouver from Nanaimo and had rented a boat and car on the Lower Mainland to make the most of the summer day.
"We are slightly disappointed, but nobody can control the wind," said Neis.
Despite the rocky first day, Neis is still optimistic about the new service.
"It's been something that is needed for a long time … I'm looking forward to when they can get sailing," he said, adding Monday was not a total loss because he could still enjoy a day off work.
Hullo was set up as an alternative crossing option to B.C. Ferries or float plane, with a fleet of two high-speed catamaran vessels each able to carry 354 passengers. The trip between Nanaimo and Vancouver is estimated to take 70 minutes.
Several private operators have previously attempted but ultimately failed to keep a passenger-only ferry service between Nanaimo and Vancouver afloat.
Key issues have been debris on the sailing route and low passenger uptake. The B.C. Ferries route goes from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Departure Bay in central Nanaimo.
With files from Claire Palmer