Join ITE Vancouver Island section on March 24, 2026 for an informative Lunch & Learn on BC Ferries Spirit Class Vessels: Completion of the Mid Life Upgrade Program, presented by Eric Bekkering, BC Ferry Services Inc.

Date:  Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm PST

Location: Midtown Court, 740 Hillside Avenue (Main Floor Boardroom), Victoria, BC

Lunch will be provided; please list any dietary restrictions when purchasing your ticket.

== Ticket sales end on March 22 at 11:30pm==

Description:

This session will provide an overview of how corporate maintenance strategies, technological advancements, and both operating and project cost pressures shape decision‑making for major vessel lifecycle events. Attendees will gain insight into marine‑sector project planning and execution—from initial business case development through to final lessons learned. We will explore how the team delivered an extensive upgrade program for BC Ferries’ two largest vessels, including the installation of new safety and navigation systems and a propulsion system conversion to dual‑fuel capability (natural gas and diesel). This complex program was executed in Gdańsk, Poland, and represents one of the most challenging and ambitious projects BC Ferry Services Inc. has ever undertaken.

Speaker Bio:

Eric Bekkering is a marine engineer, project manager, and asset management professional with more than 25 years of experience in vessel operations, project execution, and lifecycle asset management. He currently serves as Manager, Maintenance Standards within the Engineering Standards and Asset Service team at BC Ferries, where he leads initiatives that enhance maintenance governance and improve asset performance across the company.