Yesterday, 03:03 PM
The Legacy of Seaspan’s Log Barges
For decades, Seaspan’s log barge operations played a vital role in British Columbia’s coastal forestry logistics. These massive flat-deck vessels were designed to transport bundled logs from remote harvesting sites to processing mills, often navigating rugged inlets and tidal zones inaccessible to trucks or rail. The barges were engineered for durability, with reinforced hulls, hydraulic winches, and modular loading systems capable of handling thousands of tons of timber per trip.
Seaspan, founded in 1970 and headquartered in North Vancouver, evolved from a regional tug and barge operator into one of Canada’s largest marine transportation companies. Its log barge division was once a cornerstone of coastal forestry infrastructure, supporting both private contractors and provincial timber operations.
Terminology Notes
In late 2023, Seaspan officially sold its remaining log barge assets to Coast Island Marine, a Campbell River-based marine services company. The transaction included multiple barges and associated equipment, and reportedly led to the layoff of Seaspan’s barge operators. While the sale was not widely publicized, it marks a significant shift in the region’s marine logistics landscape.
The move reflects broader trends in coastal forestry: reduced log volumes, increased reliance on land-based transport, and consolidation among marine service providers. Coast Island Marine, known for its tug operations and vessel maintenance capabilities, is expected to repurpose the barges for mixed cargo or specialized marine construction support.
Operational Challenges and Decline
In the early 2000s, Seaspan’s barges were a common sight along the Sunshine Coast, often loaded with cedar and fir destined for mills in Powell River. One veteran tug captain recalled towing a fully loaded barge through a winter storm off Cape Mudge, relying on radar and instinct to avoid grounding. “Those barges were beasts,” he said. “They didn’t sink, but they sure tested your nerves.”
In 2015, several older barges were reportedly sent overseas for scrapping, a move that drew criticism from local marine historians who hoped to preserve at least one vessel as a floating museum. The idea never materialized, and the fleet quietly diminished.
Recommendations for Future Operators
The sale of Seaspan’s log barges marks the end of an era in British Columbia’s marine forestry logistics. While the vessels themselves may find new life under Coast Island Marine, their departure from Seaspan’s roster reflects deeper shifts in industry economics, environmental policy, and regional infrastructure. As the coast adapts to new challenges, the legacy of these barges remains embedded in the stories of those who worked them—and in the waters they once ruled.
For decades, Seaspan’s log barge operations played a vital role in British Columbia’s coastal forestry logistics. These massive flat-deck vessels were designed to transport bundled logs from remote harvesting sites to processing mills, often navigating rugged inlets and tidal zones inaccessible to trucks or rail. The barges were engineered for durability, with reinforced hulls, hydraulic winches, and modular loading systems capable of handling thousands of tons of timber per trip.
Seaspan, founded in 1970 and headquartered in North Vancouver, evolved from a regional tug and barge operator into one of Canada’s largest marine transportation companies. Its log barge division was once a cornerstone of coastal forestry infrastructure, supporting both private contractors and provincial timber operations.
Terminology Notes
- Log Barge: A flat-deck vessel used to transport logs over water, often equipped with self-loading gear.
- Tug Towage: The process of moving barges using tugboats, essential for non-self-propelled vessels.
- Boomed Logs: Logs bound together in floating bundles, typically towed or loaded onto barges.
- Deck Winch: A hydraulic or electric-powered drum used to haul cables and secure cargo.
- Marine Salvage: The recovery or repurposing of decommissioned vessels, often for scrap or conversion.
In late 2023, Seaspan officially sold its remaining log barge assets to Coast Island Marine, a Campbell River-based marine services company. The transaction included multiple barges and associated equipment, and reportedly led to the layoff of Seaspan’s barge operators. While the sale was not widely publicized, it marks a significant shift in the region’s marine logistics landscape.
The move reflects broader trends in coastal forestry: reduced log volumes, increased reliance on land-based transport, and consolidation among marine service providers. Coast Island Marine, known for its tug operations and vessel maintenance capabilities, is expected to repurpose the barges for mixed cargo or specialized marine construction support.
Operational Challenges and Decline
- Aging Fleet: Many of Seaspan’s barges were built in the 1970s and 1980s, requiring extensive maintenance and retrofitting.
- Environmental Regulations: New emissions and ballast water standards increased operating costs.
- Market Shifts: Declining coastal harvests and mill closures reduced demand for waterborne log transport.
- Labor Costs: Skilled marine crews became harder to retain, especially for seasonal operations.
In the early 2000s, Seaspan’s barges were a common sight along the Sunshine Coast, often loaded with cedar and fir destined for mills in Powell River. One veteran tug captain recalled towing a fully loaded barge through a winter storm off Cape Mudge, relying on radar and instinct to avoid grounding. “Those barges were beasts,” he said. “They didn’t sink, but they sure tested your nerves.”
In 2015, several older barges were reportedly sent overseas for scrapping, a move that drew criticism from local marine historians who hoped to preserve at least one vessel as a floating museum. The idea never materialized, and the fleet quietly diminished.
Recommendations for Future Operators
- Retrofit for Versatility: Convert log barges into modular platforms for construction, aquaculture, or emergency response.
- Invest in Hybrid Tug Systems: Reduce fuel costs and emissions with electric-assist propulsion.
- Partner with Indigenous Coastal Enterprises: Support sustainable forestry and marine stewardship.
- Digitize Fleet Management: Use GPS and load sensors to optimize routing and safety.
The sale of Seaspan’s log barges marks the end of an era in British Columbia’s marine forestry logistics. While the vessels themselves may find new life under Coast Island Marine, their departure from Seaspan’s roster reflects deeper shifts in industry economics, environmental policy, and regional infrastructure. As the coast adapts to new challenges, the legacy of these barges remains embedded in the stories of those who worked them—and in the waters they once ruled.
