Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, Berths 4 & 5, Standardization & Rebuild

BC Ferries (BCF) operates one of the largest ferry fleets in the world, with 35 vessels servicing 47 terminals. Vessels in the BCF fleet vary widely in size, shape, and age, posing considerable operational challenges for the terminals in terms of their ability to accommodate the widest range of vessels possible. The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal in Sidney, BC, Canada, is one of the busiest terminals in the BCF system, providing links to the mainland and the southern Gulf Islands. At Swartz Bay, Berths 4 and 5 had approached the end of their useful life span and needed to be replaced. In February 2010, BCF commissioned the development of a standardized berth concept as a proactive approach to improve the vessel-berth interoperability across the BCF system and to accommodate their existing and future vessels. The intent was to standardize the basic layout to ensure the maximum degree of vessel-terminal interoperability, while still allowing for sufficient flexibility to adapt the concept to best suit the local harbour conditions. This paper discusses the development of the "Standardized Berth" concept, including the key characteristics and challenges for the berth and ramps to accommodate almost the entire fleet of BCF's minor and intermediate vessels, ranging from the 450-tonne (496 short tons) Klitsa to the 3,420-tonne (3,770 short tons) Island Sky. The Swartz Bay Berth 4/5 project was the first to apply the principles of the Standard Berth concept. The design featured two integrated pontoon/wingwall berths, guide and breasting dolphins with parallel motion fenders, hydraulically operated vehicle ramps and supporting vessel utilities. This paper also discusses the major innovative design elements of the Swartz Bay Berth 4/5 facilities.