On March 18, 2015, the BC Ferries Commissioner issued his report regarding the efficiency of BC Ferries, along with several other performance review and assessment reports. The efficiency report confirmed that BC Ferries demonstrates good cost control and has a strong culture of efficiency. The report also indicated that administrative expenses have declined by 15.1 per cent on an inflation adjusted basis since 2009. The report also confirmed that overtime hours have declined and absenteeism rates are below the average for comparable businesses.
The Commissioner also released the Preliminary Decision on Price Caps for the Fourth Performance Term, in which he has set the increase in price caps (or average fare increases) at 1.9 per cent per year. The Commissioner will issue his decision on final price caps by no later than September 30, 2015.
Significant events during or subsequent to fiscal 2015 include: the April 28, 2014 completion of a private placement of $200 million of 30-year senior secured bonds with accredited investors. These bonds bear interest at a rate of 4.289 per cent per annum, payable semi-annually. The effective rate of this issue, net of hedging, is 4.45 per cent, the lowest effective bond interest rate in the 12-year history of the company.
On July 3, 2014, BC Ferries entered into contracts with Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. of Gdansk, Poland to build three new dual-fuel intermediate class vessels. These contracts, with a total value of $165 million, form the majority of the total project budget of $252 million. This budget also includes $51 million for Canadian taxes and federal import duties.
On November 24, 2014, the Commissioner conditionally approved the company’s application to proceed with mid-life upgrades, including conversion to dual-fuel, of the two largest ships in the fleet, the Spirit of Vancouver Island and the Spirit of British Columbia. BC Ferries expects a conversion would result in significant savings in fuel costs.
On December 17, 2014, fuel surcharges of 3.4 per cent on average were removed from the major and minor routes and a fuel rebate of 1.0 per cent was implemented on April 1, 2015 as a result of declining fuel prices and locking in pricing for a significant portion of forecast fuel consumption to the end of fiscal 2016. On the northern routes, no fuel surcharges were in place and no fuel rebates are in effect.
On February 2, 2015, the Commissioner conditionally approved the company’s application in support of the Fare Flexibility and Digital Experience Initiative. This initiative will introduce a new system to manage fares, improve operational efficiency through better capacity management, provide customers with a modernized e-commerce platform with greater online functionality and booking options, and provide better access for mobile, tablet and desktop channels.
On May 8, 2015, BC Ferries unveiled the name of its new cable ferry, the Baynes Sound Connector, at a special naming ceremony. Compared to the current service, it is projected that, over 40 years, the cable ferry will provide over $80 million in cost savings as well as significant environmental benefits. The cable ferry will accommodate 50 vehicles and 150 passengers and crew.
The ship will commence service between Buckley Bay on Vancouver Island and Denman Island later this year.
BC Ferries’ full financial statements, including notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis, as well as the Statement of Executive Compensation, are filed on SEDAR and will be available at www.sedar.com.
Under contract to the Province of British Columbia, BC Ferries is the service provider responsible for the delivery of safe, efficient and dependable ferry service along coastal British Columbia.
ABOUT
Douglas magazine delivers exciting, in-depth features about Victoria, British Columbia’s vibrant business culture — its startups, disrupters and influencers. With its clear-eyed, contemporary take on business, Douglas inspires local leaders with content about how entrepreneurship is changing our city — and our world.
