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 asked 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)

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 Pvt 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

Prior To Launch

Moving Down the Marine Railway

Almost In

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.