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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
Highlanders sister vessel Blue Putties arrived and went straight into the Nova Dock, unlike her sister, who passed the dock and backed in, Blue Putties went straight in. She is in for Simalar maintinance as Highlanders and should be in the dock for most of the Month.
Tallships NS has now confirmed a list of Attendies. As HSN reported earlier, the tall ships Americas Members are all in attendance, as well as 3 addtional vessels curretly parcipating in OPSAIL Events. They are the schooners Tree of Life and Roseway, and the Sloop USS Providence, a replica of John Paul Jones‘ first command.
Other confirmed Attendies Include UNICORN, SORCA, PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II, PICTON CASTLE, LYNX, USCGC EAGLE, HMS BOUNTY, APPLEDORE IV, and APPLEDORE V
Halifax Locals Silva, MAR II, CSS Acadia, HMCS Sackville and Theodore the Tugboat will also be in Attendance.
The Halifax Port Authority has aquired land from CN at both Pier 9 and Halterm. The Halterm land will allow for reconfiguration of the approach road to allow for a smoother turn and Improved cargo-handling efficiencies, particularly for truck operations, through upgrades of the truck marshalling yard and gate complex.
At Pier 9 The land will likely be used to Expand the Pier Area.
The general Cargo Vessel Apollogracht tied up at Fairview Cove just after 1300, and was loaded and Ready to go by 1530. Though Mostly a Container terminal, Fairview cove does see other cargo, Mostly in the Holds Of ACL Ships; Heavy Equipment and Helicopters are common sights on the Piers there.
Apollogracht loaded a Round looking piece of equipment.
UPDATE 1328ADT 03/05/12: AIS Shows her Entering Port in St John NB
The AFL New England is Currently Anchored in the Bedford Basin, and has been for the past two weeks. American Feeder Lines has pulled the service citing low traffic, and loss of backing by German Investors (Who are un named, but probably related to Hapag Lloyd)
The File Photo above shows her departing with a visible container load, which was an frequent occurrence. There is no word yet on what becomes of the vessel, which is chartered, and Flagged in the UK.
AFL’s Service began in June of last year
UPDATE: Halifax Shipping news has made some Inquieries as to the Legal/financial status of American Feeder Lines to AFL, the Port Authority, and AFL New England’s Agent. Stay Tuned.
