By far the most popular post of 2011 was Caribou and Smallwood on the Beach in Alang with over 700 direct views since it was posted Nov 1st. Since the blog allows full posts to be to be read without clicking on them many more have read it I’m sure. This only shows the affection these ferries that people have. These to ships stopped for bunkers in August as their last Canadian stop before heading overseas.
In the offshore field, 2011 saw the departures of the platforms PSS Chumul and Rowan Gorilla 3, and the arrival in December of the GSF Grand Banks. Several support vessels from the deep panuke project also made appearances. These Platform posts were also among the most popular – likely because of the unbelievable size of the vessels.
In navy news, HMCS Charlettown departed In March and returned in September from the mediterainian becoming the first Canadian warship to engage an enemy and exchange fire since the Korean war. HMCS preserver also came out of refit, and collided with the Nova Dock a few days latter. Visitors included several US , Icelandic and French Coast Guard, British and American nuclear submarines, British Destroyer, USNS Wright, and a rare east coast visit by the Japanese defence force.
In port traffic, 2011 Saw the start of the American Feeder Lines service, the halfing of Zim’s service and the cancelation of the green alliances service. Cruise traffic picked up again despite several weather cancelations.
Halifax Shipyards was selected as the winner of the Federal Shipbuilding Procurement strategy, Began the Midlife refits on the the Halifax Class Frigates and Unveiled the first Hero class Mid Shore Patrol Vessel.
The port continued various improvements, with work at Pier 41/42 and 9..
And the regulars came and went..
