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Introducing TransLink’s new SeaBus: the Burrard Otter II!

Introducing TransLink’s new SeaBus: the Burrard Otter II!

The new Burrard Otter II SeaBus! - Photo Courtesy of Henry Reeve, P. Eng of Robert Allan Ltd.
The new Burrard Otter II SeaBus! – Photo Courtesy of Henry Reeve, P. Eng of Robert Allan Ltd.

Introducing: Burrard Otter II, our new SeaBus, which is scheduled to go into service this fall.

The Burrard Otter II is the first SeaBus to be built to a Classification Society Standard (Lloyd’s Register), and it was designed by noted Vancouver, BC-based Naval Architectural firm Robert Allan Ltd.

The vessel has just completed sea trials in Singapore, and soon will be prepared for shipment to Vancouver.

Photo Courtesy of BBC Chartering
Photo Courtesy of BBC Chartering

How will it get here?

The Burrard Otter II will be loaded onto a heavylift carrier similar to this one.

The cargo ship will make a few stops at other ports before delivering the new SeaBus to the Port of Metro Vancouver by late July.

What’s next?

Once it arrives, the Burrard Otter II will go through more sea trials to make sure it’s running properly after such a long journey.

SeaBus employees then will be trained on operations and maintenance of the new vessel.

Following an inspection by Transport Canada, the Burrard Otter II will go into regular service, currently scheduled for fall.

Burrard Otter - Photo Courtesy of SeaBus Marine Attendant Shirley DeRusha
Burrard Otter – Photo Courtesy of SeaBus Marine Attendant Shirley DeRusha

What about the other SeaBuses?

The Burrard Otter II will share duties with the Burrard Pacific Breeze, which made its maiden voyage on December 23, 2009.

The original Burrard Otter will be retired from active service, and the Burrard Beaver will be retrofitted ($1 million) and used as a spare vessel.

How much did the Burrard Otter II cost?

The Burrard Otter II will cost just over $22 million. This includes the cost of design and construction, as well as import duties.

Ninety percent of the cost or about $20 million was funded through a Federal government contribution (Gas Tax), and TransLink funded the remaining 10% (or about $2 million).

Burrard Otter II by the numbers

Passenger capacity: 395 + 4 crew

Size:

  • Length: 34.29 m (112’ 6”)
  • Width: 12.65 m (41’ 6”)
  • Depth: 3.57 m (11’ 8”)
  • Tonnage: Lightship weight is 164 tonnes (net), 453 (gross)

Engine:

  • Type of engine:  4 x MTU/Detroit Diesel Series 60
  • Horsepower (300 kilowatts each x 4):  400 hp x 4 = 1600 hp

SeaBus Fast Facts

  • Average daily ridership (2013): 16,600
  • Total boarded passengers in 2013: 6,044,955.
  • Operating cost (2013): $10.3 million
  • Sailings/Crossings a year (2013): 43,920
  • SeaBus officially went into service : June 17, 1977.
  • Distance per trip: 3.24 km (1.75 naut. mi.)

Author: Jennifer Siddon

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