Anyone travelling on the Coastal Inspiration between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen should budget an extra 15 minutes for the trip.
The trip, which typically takes an hour and 35 minutes, will now take an hour and 50 minutes because of a longer route resulting from the need to take extra care with the vessel’s drive motor.
The ferry’s new schedule started Thursday and runs until March 3.
When the Coastal Inspiration takes the longer route around the east side of Saturna Island, it reduces the wear and tear on its engine, B.C. Ferries said.
The ferry has a refit scheduled for April to May, when a new rotor will be installed.
All three Coastal-class vessels will have new rotors and variable-speed drive systems.
New temporary sailing times out of Swartz Bay for the Coastal Inspiration are at 6:45 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Out of Tsawwassen, the new times are 5:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
B.C. Ferries said the bus connection is tight for ferry riders heading to the 6:45 a.m. sailing from Swartz Bay.
Passengers who have booked sailings on affected sailings have been contacted, B.C. Ferries said.
