Another First time caller to Halifax, Lieke is on charter to Nirint. She was Lieke here to load a special break bulk cargo, as she tied up away from container handling or dry bulk handling equipment.
Lieke
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Another New Caller at Fairview Cove
OOCL Kuala Lumpur at Fairview Cove. She is another new caller this year. Hapag Lloyd has added numerous new vessels this year, making Fairview Cove more interesting so far this year.
Atlantic Towings Shopping Spree
Atlantic Towings newest tug Alantic Birch II arrived in Halifax yesterday. She was recently aquired From Thor (See Shipfax), and was immedialy tasked with a siesmic survey off Greenland.
Last September, Atlantic Towing aquired Atlantic Raven, a UT722 Anchor Handling Supply Tug (Same model as thier other AHST’s)
UPDATE: As indicated in the Comments, Atlantic Birch II appears to be filling in for Atlantic Condor, Whos last location appeared to the ISI Shelbune Ship Repair Facility. It sems tha alo of work ha might have ben done in the damaged Scotia Dock is now occuring on the Refurbishd marine railway there.
US Navy Memorial Day Visit
From the US Consulate website:
Public Invited to U.S. Memorial Day Ceremony at Deadman’s Island – May 28, 2012
Historians have concluded that nearly 200 American Prisoners of the War of 1812 died while confined on Melville Island, on the Northwest Arm in Halifax, and are buried on Deadman’s Island. On Monday, May 28th from 11:00a.m. – 12:00p.m. the United States Consulate General in Halifax and U.S. Navy Exchange Officers in Halifax will honor these American servicemen in a ceremony featuring historical re-enactors, Canadian and American speakers, and a plaque unveiling by the U.S. Daughters of the War of 1812.
The ceremony will include the firing of a cannon and blank ammunition between the hours of 11:00am and 12:00 noon.
HMCS Ojibwa Update
The doubt surrounding the fate of the former HMCS Ojibwa, currently tied up at the Naval Dockyard Annex in Dartmouth has been resolved. Peter Mackay, The minister of Defence, signed an agreement turning over the Sub to the Elgin Military Museum in St. Thomas Ontario.
Onandaga became a museum piece in Rimouski PQ, and Okanagan and Olympus were scrapped last year. Its a shame we chose to save 2 British Boats, But couldn’t be bothered to save HMCS Frasier (or the other 2 Annapolis Class boats) that were designed and built in Canada, and summarily scrapped last year.
UPDATE: The London Free Press is reporting the Tug Florence M is on her way to Halifax from Hamilton to return with the Sub which is scheduled to be Installed on September 8.The Florence M shows an ETA of May 25th for her Halifax arival.
They’re Back! the Annual Return of the Fishing Fleet
This week has seen the return of the Herring Sieners to Halifax. After an attempted early start failed, The fleet has returned this week with vessels tied up at Pier 9 and and along the waterfront.
The Fishing Fleet is an annual sight every May and June, and the vessels remain largely unchanged from year to year.
Whats Going on at Pier 9?
The Port Authority has issued some press releases, and purchased some land from CN, But has been relatively quiet on what the plans for Pier 9 are. Most of the statements are that the 9D Section will be improved, and that there may be additional sheds, Rail Access, and the addition of container cranes.
Construction has now begun, with Harbour Development having finished dredging work, and McNally construction now working on the pier. Since Projects of this size require an environmental assessment prior to being approved, I requested a copy from the federal Environment Department.
It Reveals a substantial addition to the pier, stretching from the existing pier 9b/9c junction to the Mackay Bridge. It features On Pier rail, which makes sense, since part of the idea was to perform addtional heavy lift operations from the upgraded pier. Also shown is a new shed, parking lot, and on pier gantry crane. All of this infrastructure really formalizes the use of the pier in recent years, as Jumbo Shipping previously exported Locomotives from pier 9, and Nirint Shipping stopped there as well to perform container operations.
CCGS Private Robertson VC Launched
The first hero class mid-shore patrol vessel has been launched. Originally scheduled for 11:45, the launch we delayed by high winds and the need for an additional tug. Unlike Atlantic Condors Launch, The Private Robertson was gently slid into the water, stern first, and then moved to Pier 9B.
Tugs Atlantic Oak and Willow, as well as Dominion Diving Vessels were in attendance, as well as CCGS Sambro, Who came to watch.
UPDATE 1: Private Robertson VC at Pier 9 Today.
UPDATE 2: By Request, Additional Photos
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| Prior To Launch |
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| Moving Down the Marine Railway |
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| Almost In |
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| Getting Wet |
I Also have some Video, But it needs to be Edited.
UPDATE: Here is the Video. It was shot on my point and Shoot, so the quality is low. Sorry.
CCGS Private Roberston VC ready for Launch
This past weekend, Halifax Shipyard moved the CCGS Private Roberston VC to the launching ways. An update with a Launch date will be provided when it is known.
Comment From Halifax Port Authority On AFL
I Asked Several questions of the Port, Specifically if they were owed Money by AFL, or are aware if they are Anyone else was owed money by AFL. A Port Spokesperson provided this responce.
“When a Port customer faces financial difficulties, as is happening with AFL, we will deal directly with the company on any outstanding fees as we may be able to resolve the issue directly with them. As this relates to the finances of a private company and can be a legal matter, we will not be speculating at this early point as to what, if any, loss the HPA may incur as a result of AFL ending their service.”
They also declined to comment if other port service providers were owed money by AFL. Inquireies to AFL itself an their agent went unanwsered. UPDATE: It Appears AFL New England was being re-supplied with provisions and fresh water as of noon today.