Hero Class Update Vessel #3 to be Rolled out.

The Corporal Kaeble VC was Rolled Back this morning and tarped. This is a Sure Sign that Hero Class #3 will be rolled out and Painted this weekend.

I Belive Vessel #3 will be the CCGS Corporal Teather C.V.

VLCC Front Crown for Bunkers

The VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier)Front Crown at anchorage 1 for bunkers. She is Very Clearly empty. At 311,176dwt, shes big, and more then double the size of Halifax Regular Heather Knutsen which comes in at 148,644dwt.

Front Crown Was Built in 1999, and is owned and operated by Frontline Management AS, the second largest tanker operator after Teekay.

SKOMVAER for bunkers

SKOMVAER Made a quick stop for bunkers today. She arived this morning, and will depart later theis afternoon. Algoma Dartmouth can be seen hiding in the back.

HMCS Fredricton Now At the Machine Shop Wharf

HMCS Fredericton was moved this past Saturday Morning to the Machine Shop Wharf. This signals the end of the major structural work being complete, and the fitting out of addtional systems will now take place.

The Graving Dock will Next be Occupied by HMCS Montreal.

PLAN Zhenghe Moves to Dockyard

The Chinease Naval Vessel PLAN Zhenghe moved from anchor to jetty November Bravo (AKA "Navy B") this morning. She was Originally scheduled to arrive this morning from Spain, but arrived early due to weather, and sat at anchor over the weekend.

You can see her from the Casino Walkway, No word yet if she will be open to the public.

UPDATE: She will be open to the Public, Wed 1-3pm, HMCS Scotian Gate

Tanker Davino D at Pier 9

The tanker Davino D tied up at pier 9 to discharge a cargo of heating oil for the Wilson Fuels Terminal on Barrington Street. There is a spout on the pier to offload tankers at, so Pier 9 sees occasional visits from time to time.

Halifax Shipyard to Replace Scotia Dock II

We now know where 260 million of the province's forgivable loan will be spent. CBC News is reporting the Scotia Dock II will be replaced. Halifax Shipyard was basing the decision on its success at the federal Shipbuilding Program.

Since Halifax Shipyard was selected, The Province is on the Hook for the Loan Money, to replace the Dock. There is no word on where/when the New dock will be constructed, or what will happen with the Scotia Dock II, though it will likely be scrapped.

The Dock sunk in May 2010. See The Last moments of the Scotia Dock and Scotia Dock Still On Bottom

PLAN Zheng He

The Chinease Navy Training Ship Zheng He arrived this morning an anchored in the Harbour. She is currently on a world tour, Much like the Japanese performed last year.

Zheng He was a Chinease explorer who sailed in the Pacific around 1405 to 1433.

Blog home of the Bay Ferry man: In for more repairs

Blog home of the Bay Ferry man: In for more repairs: MV Princess of Acadia is once again headed for repairs (Halifax most likely).  According to CTV News, it is believed it's the same proble...

SAUDI DIRIYAH

The SAUDI DIRIYAH arrived and Tied up at Pier 27 just after noon. She will sail late this afternoon. Vessels from the National Shipping line of Saudi Arabia make monthly (or as required) calls to Halifax. They simalar to ACL in they carry both Container and Ro-Ro Traffic

UPDATE: She Departed at 2200 for Port Said Egypt

Tug Coho with Barge Penn No 12

Tug Coho with Barge Penn No 12, arriving for the Mcasphalt Dock this morning. More Common in the US, Tugs and tanker barges require smaller crews then a tanker of simalar capacity. They are a regular sight in Halifax.

Nils B is Small

The container ship Nils B has recently taken over the Halifax - St. Pierre run. Her small size is especially evident today as she tied up at pier 41, since her usual birth at pier 36 is occupied by Oceanx Sanderling, Which requires the RO-Ro Ramp.

More from 1984

Sagres II (Portugal)

Gloria (Columbia)

Gazela Philadelphia (USA) former Portuguese banks schoooner Gazela Primero, since renamed Gazela

Our Svanen

I Also learned that the 1984 Tall Ship Event was Mared With Tradgedy.  Wikipedia Tells us about the loss of the Marques.

The Marques won the first tall ships' race, from Puerto Rico to Bermuda. The ship left Hamilton on the second race, bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 2 June 1984. On the night of 2 June the ship ran into a gale. In the early hours of 3 June she was hit by a sudden squall and a large wave, possible arogue wave, and was knocked down onto her starboard side. Although the ship had been converted to a sail training and charter cruise ship, she had retained the main cargo hatch from her days as a commercial vessel. When she was knocked down the main hatch was breached and water flooded into the interior of the ship. She sank in less than a minute, with the loss of 19 of her 28 crew members.

THOR OMEGA

The Offshore Platfrom Supply Vessel THOR OMEGA arrived today, and anchored in Anchorage 1. She Was most recently in St. John's Newfoundland.


Her sister THOR SUPPLIER is the New Atlantic Birch II

Morning Traffic 3: Maasdam

The Regular Holand America Lines cruise ship Maasdam. shes here for the day, and will depart at at 16:30

Morning traffic 2: Marwan

The Marwan Sailes for Melfi Marine - one of the lines from Halifax that servers Havana Cuba. The route Originates in Italy, and Stops in Spain, before heading to Halifax, and then Havana.

Morning Traffic: Reykjafoss

Eimskip Contatiner vessel Reykjafoss arrived this morning for Pier 36. A regular caller, she serves iceland, and travels between North America (Norfolk, Boston, Halifax, Argentia), Reykjavik Iceland and Sortland Norway. All Eimskip Vessels are named after waterfalls in Iceland.

Her sister vessel Skogafoss was recently here for Maintinance at woodside.

More of HMCS Halifax

Also there is a Video tour of the crew lounge via Facebook

Multiple Woodward's

Today seemed to be a day of Doubles, with Maersk having two vessels in, and the Woodward Group of Newfoundland having Two tankers in Port as well. The Tanker Alsterstern departed the Ultramar Dock in Eastern Passage with a load of Diesel fuel for Labrador, and the Tanker Tuvaq Arrive for Bunkers. Alsterstern departed at 1600, and Tuvaq picked up her pilot at 1700.

Woodward vessels are very common in St John's Newfoundland, but rarely stop in Halifax.

Multiple Maersk's

Halterm saw two Maersk vessels today at pier 42 and Pier 36. Maersk Palermo (bellow) tied up at Pier 36, and Maersk Pembroke tied up at Pier 42. Maersk calls weekly in Halifax, usually on a Saturday, but it is rare to have 2 of the 4 vessels that regularly call in on the same day.

Both vessels sailed around 1700 today

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race departed Halifax after a few days of rest, bound for England. The Vessels arrived from New York earlier in the week. What Makes the Clipper event unique, is that with the exception of the skipper, the boats are crewed by novice offshore racers.

You can find out more (and sign up) at http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com/

HMCS Halifax Back To the Dockyard

HMCS Halifax Completed its work period at Halifax Shipyard, and was moved back to the dockyard.
There she will undergo Addtional testing, and refitting of weapon systems, prior to sea and Operational trials.

HMCS Fredricton, Currently in the graving dock will likely take Halifax's place, Making room for HMCS Montreal.

Welcome to our first sponsor TELONIX!

Halifax Shipping News would really like to welcome our first sponsor TELONIX! TELONIX specializes in fibre optic fusion splicers, and other optical tools and test equipment, which allow companies to keep us connected, from around the world too as close as the curb to your house.

TELONIX's financial support helps offset the costs associated with operating this site, including the ship tracker. Welcome TELONIX, and thank you for the support

Ladys for Bunkers

Hot on the heels of Lady Christinas Bunker stop earlier this week, Sister ship Lady Claudia Stopped this evening for bunkers. She's Scheduled to depart at 0600 so a photo is unlikely.

Above is Lady Christina on an earlier stop.

UPDATE: Lady Claudia sailed on Time bound for Mosjoen,Norway.

HMS Protector

HMS Protector Arrived this morning. HMS Protector is one of the Royal Navy's Ice Patrol and Survey Vessels, and was commisioned into the Royal Navy on June 23 2011. She is the Ex Polarbjørn an is on a 3 year charter to replace the HMS Endurance which was almost lost in a flooding accident in 2008.

HMS Endurance provided a sovereign presence in polar waters, performed hydrographic surveys and supported the British Antarctic Survey. These Tasks are now assigned to HMS Protector. Both Endurance and Protector are commercially built ice class offshore support vessels.

HMS Protector to Visit Tomorow

The British Warship HMS Protector is scheduled to visit Halifax tomorrow. She's unlike any Naval Vessel   you would expect to see. First of all, she's red.

HMS Protector is one of the Royal Navy's Ice Patrol and Survey Vessels, and was commisioned into the Royal Navy on June 23 2011. She is the Ex Polarbjørn an is on a 3 year charter to replace the HMS Endurance which was almost lost in a flooding accident in 2008.

HMS Endurance provided a sovereign presence in polar waters, performed hydrographic surveys and supported the British Antarctic Survey. These Tasks are now assigned to HMS Protector. Both Endurance and Protector are commercially built ice class offshore support vessels.

New Post Panamax Cranes for Halterm

The Halifax Gateway has announced that Halterm has placed an order for Post Panamax cranes.
The Port Authority Announced a year ago that the Acquisition would occur, but no further details were provided at that time..

Details to Follow when Available .

Skogafoss at Woodside - Part II

The Eimskip Container ship Skogafoss at Woodside. She is still undergoing a 12 day Maintinance period, and arrived on May 31st, so her work period appears to be nearing Completion. She took bunkers from Algoma Dartmouth Yesterday.

UPDATE: she sailed for Argentia NF at 2100

First time for a Disney Cruise

This mornings arrival of the Disney Magic is the first arrival for a Disney Cruise ship in Halifax.

Disney  cruises to Halifax depart from New York, and stopping in St John NB were announced in April 2011. Disney will be stoping 11 more times this year, becoming one of the regular callers.

 Photo to follow.

Tanker Dara Desgagnés

The tanker Dara Desgagnés arrived just after noon today. she was formerly the Diamond Star, untill she was aquired by the Groupe Desgagnés, with her sisters Jana Desgagnés (Ex Jade Star) and Esta Desgagnés (ex Emerald Star) for northern service. The Ice breaking bow is quite evidant, as she arrived unladden. Her Ice Abilities were put to good use when she delivered cargo, during winter, to Miraimichi NB

Mega Yacht Season

With summer, comes the impressive collection of Mega super yachts, which cost millions of dollars to Build, and thousands of dollars to rent for a week.

One regualar visitor is the Destination Fox Harb'r Too. She is Owned by Ron Joyce, who was one of the founders of Tim Hortons. It is named after his Fox Harb'r Resort. The Destination Fox Harb'r Is a Sailing vessel, which was also owned by Ron Joyce, But I belive has now been sold.

Kometik Inbound this Morning.

Halifax Class Mid Life Refit update

The refit (tecnically the Halifax-Class Modernization (HCM) / Frigate Life Extension (FELEX) programs) on HMCS Halifax is coming along nicely.  She has been tied up at the machine shop wharf for several months now, and Parts of her new kit are Starting to become visible.

The refit Programs will include a new command and control system, new radar capability, a new electronic warfare system and upgraded communications and missiles. Separate refit and stand-alone projects will include installation of new mechanical systems and modifications to accommodate the new Cyclone helicopters and a new military satellite communications system.

New Fire Control Radar Aft, on the forward part of the Hanger. Also note the new wings on either side.

Forward, we have the new Air Search Radar - Its  No longer an Open Array, As well as a new fire control Radar In front of it. The Gun may also be different as it was removed prior to refit, but has now been installed.

Each refit is expected to take 18 Months The Halifax Based ships are scheduled as Follows:
(Large Gaps are for Pacific Fleet vessels)

Fall 2010	HALIFAX
Fall 2011	FREDERICTON
Summer 2012	MONTREAL
Spring 2013	CHARLOTTETOWN
Winter 2014	ST JOHN’S
Fall 2014	VILLE DE QUEBEC
Summer 2015	TORONTO

AFL New England Likely to Be SOLD

The Chronicle Herald reported today that the Crew of the AFL New England will be departing the vessel to head home by today. The Vessel itself is Under arrest, and will be cared for by the Port Authority until it is sold at court ordered auction to pay creditors, which include the Halifax Port Authority, the Portland Maine Port Authority, The ships agent, and others.

 The AFL New England has been stranded in Halifax, Under arrest for unpaid bills after American Feeder Lines lost their German Backers and shut down. The Vessel was moved to Pier 34 after it ran low on fuel while anchored for a month in the basin.

Etoile and Belle Poule to Dockyard and Back

  The French Schooners moved from tall ships Quay to the Dockyard and back Today.
Etoile moved this morning, and returned at noon, While Belle Poule took her spot for the afternoon.

Above Etoile, Bellow Belle Poule

APA 18 Broken?

Its a good thing Chubucto Pilot Arrived when it Did. APA 18 was towed in by Atlantic Oak, Presumably due to some sort of mechanicle failure. It did not appear to be under power when she was towed in.

 

Norwegian Navy Visitor HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl

The Norwegian Navy Nansen Class frigate HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl (F 314) arrived just after 7 am for a visit. This visit was previously unanounced. It appears to be a Short visit for bunkers, with a departure some time this afternoon.


Photo bellow courtesy of a reader via our Facebook Page.

Tall Ships Circa 1984

Over the coming weeks I'll be posting a Selection of photos from the very First Tall Ships NS - Circa 1984. First up, We have A visitor from earlier this year - Venezuelan Navy tall ship Simon Bolivar

Next We have a familiar face, The Bluenose II

The Soviet Navy Sail Training Vessel Kruzenshtern, A Difficult get I would imagine in 1984. If the Tug looks familiar, its the Florence M, during her time as Point Vibert with Eastern Canada Towing and Salvage (EC Tug).

Finally we have this unknown American Schooner, I belive to be the Harvey Gamage passing the EC Tug Wharf.

French Navy Sail Training Vessels Belle Poule and Étoile

The French Navy sail training vessels Etoile (A649) and Belle Poule (A650) arrived in Halifax this morning and tied up at Tall Ships Quay. They most recently took part in OP Sail events in the US, However are booked for an event in France the week Tall Ships is in Halifax.


Both the Étoile and the Belle Poule joined the Free French Forces during the Second World War, a deed for which they are still honoured by flying the French flag with the cross of Lorraine. They were both Launched on 8 February 1932.

UPDATE: They Depart Tomorow.

Chebucto Pilot has Arrived!

The Atlantic Pilotage Authorities new pilot boat Chebucto Pilot arrived in Halifax for the first time yesterday afternoon. She is curently tied up at the Pilot Wharf. behind APA No 1.