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Frances Barkley back serving Alberni Inlet waters after extended refit

The MV Frances Barkley, a passenger and cargo vessel linking Port Alberni to west coast communities, returned to service on April 18, 2025, after an extended refit.
The ship entered drydock on January 8, 2025, for a regular maintenance expected to last six to eight weeks but took 14 weeks due to part delays and additional repairs.
During refit, specially manufactured parts like bearings arrived late from Ontario, and the ship received a new coat of bottom paint while out of the water for maintenance.
Sea trials on April 18 showed a speed increase of half a knot, and after an hour of inspection with a Lloyds insurer present, the vessel returned within 12 hours to Alberni Inlet.
The vessel missed 12 scheduled sailings during the extended maintenance, prompting Lady Rose Marine to offer a two-for-one sale through May 15 to welcome passengers back.

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