Those who frequently drive down Quinpool Rd near the Armdale rotaray probably recall seeing a sailboat moored in the arm year round. It was safe to assume that this vessel had been abandoned, untill last fall when a tarp appeared on her.
This August, She Sunk.
Its possible she filled with rain water, though its more likely that a thru hull fitting gave out, or a hose split. The owner has apparently be located, and is responsible for salvaging the vessel.
The Container Ship VIETNAM EXPRESS has been in Halifax since 0830 on September 8th. Given that container ships typically stop for a few Hours, there is some sort of issue going on.
Its possible/probable there is a mechanical issue, though it is also posible Vietnam Express has been detained due to Port State Control (Safety Issues) or a Stowaway Issue.
Holland America Lines Cruise Ship Eurodam spent the night in Halifax Last night. They arrived in Halifax early after skipping a stop in Newfoundland on the 10th due to the weather.
The Province of NS today announced that the Bluenose will be Launched September 29th in Lunenburg. The day-long festivities will begin with the official Bluenose II relaunch from 7-9 a.m., to take advantage of high morning tides. The relaunch, which is weather dependent, will slowly winch out the ship so it can slide into the water.
“Bluenose II is in position now for relaunch,” said Peter Kinley, president of the Lunenburg Foundry, and one of the partners in the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance with Covey Island Boatworks and Snyder’s Shipyard, who are completing the restoration for the province.
“We have to start installing uprights and other relaunch equipment soon. This week is the best time to get photos at this stage,” Kinley said.
After launched, Bluenose II will be moored by the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
Alas, I will be unable to attend, So please be sure to send me pictures. (Photo Above from NovaScotiaWebcams.com)
HMCS Charlottetown Arrived back home sometime last night and tied up at Shearwater. today at 10am she made her return after 9 months to the dockyard.
One can imageine that a night spent at shearwater must have been like christmass eve for the crew.
Bravo Zulu, and welcome home!
HMCS Charlottetown was Initially deployed under Operation Metric,as part of the NATO-led Operation Active Endeavour (OAE) – the Mission of Libya. At the end of April 2012, the ship transited through the Suez Canal and joined Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150).Operation Artemis is the Canadian Forces’ participation in maritime security and counter-terrorism operations in the Arabian Sea region with CTF-150. HMCS Regina, replaced HMCS Charlottetown, to continue Canada’s commitment to Operation Artemis
From the Press Release:
“HMCS Charlottetown deployment is a demonstration of our government’s commitment to working towards a more secure and stable world. Our contribution to maritime security and counter- terrorism operations plays a key role in the prosperity of our country,” said Minister MacKay. “Our Government is incredibly proud of the officers and crew of HMCS Charlottetown and thank the families and friends of all those returning today for sacrifices alongside their loved ones.”
“It is an amazing day. I am so proud of my ship’s company,” says Commander Wade Carter, the Commanding Officer of HMCS Charlottetown. “They have worked so hard for so long. And now, finally, to see them reunite with loved ones, is beyond words. I cannot describe how overjoyed I am for them… for me, when you include last fall, it needs to be understood that this crew has effectively been deployed for 10 of the last 12 months. An amazing effort. An effort that could not have been accomplished without the support of strong Navy families. I salute them all. It has been an absolute privilege to be their Captain.”
The Geo Caribbean Arrived this afternoon and anchored in the Harbour. She was Conducting Seismic surveys off Newfoundland, and has presumably come to Halifax to Wait out the Hurricanes. She was most recently seen late last week in St. Johns Nfld, and Presumably came to Halifax as the storm is expected to hit that part of Newfoundland Hard.
Thor Omega, Who has spent some time in Halifax This summer, Is serving a s a supply ship to the Geo Caribbean.
Photos to Follow. UPDATE: She Later Moved to Pier 27, and will Sail around 1300 on the 12th.
WEC MAJORELLE, the Ex AFL New England is Today taking bunkers from the Algoma Dartmouth. Her AIS Lists Casablanca as the Destination, with an ETA on the 29th.
I would Imagine she will depart Tuesday or Wendsday as Storms Leslie and Michael pass
This week saw the arrival of 2 cable ships. Earlier, IT International Telecoms IT Interceptor returned home to her base at Pier 9. Today, Wave Sentinal Arrived and tied up alongside the Interceptor.
Though Based in Canada, IT International Telecom Does work all over North America, and in the Carribean
The Provinces Expert panel on the Yarmouth Ferry today released its report. The province has Commited 21 million over 7 years to restore the Yarmouth Ferry Service. The report recommends that a cruise ferry can be viable, as it would capitalize on the upswing in short cruises operating from Boston and New York. A ferry that is simply a transportation link would be unviable.
The Full report can be found at http://www.gov.ns.ca/econ/docs/Yarmouth-US%20Ferry_Panel_Report-FINAL.pdf
From the Report: A re-established ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine could become commercially viable, but viability hinges on being able to build passenger traffic back at least to the 130-135,000 level. enough passengers could be attracted to a Yarmouth ferry to bring about un-subsidized viability in the medium term, but only under the following conditions.
• The ferry’s business model needs to be built around the passenger’s on-board experience rather than simply offering another transportation route from the US northeast to Nova Scotia. A ‘cruise ferry’ between Yarmouth and Portland (of which the Scotia Prince was an old example) is the only suitable service model.
• The business strategy must emphasize a sophisticated approach to marketing by the ferry operator, complemented by renewal of substantial in-market promotion of Nova Scotia by the government.
• There has to be greater development of the destination experience in Nova Scotia, and particularly in the southwestern area, to encourage more and longer stays. In other words, the marketing message needs to be validated by the visitor’s experience. We believe that In order to initiate a service and attract a suitably experienced operator, governments (federal and provincial) would have to provide roughly $30-$35 million of support:
• to repair and refurbish the federally-owned Yarmouth terminal facilities;
• to provide start-up funds, estimated to be roughly $5 million—e.g., to assist with baseline market research; support an initial advertising campaign; defray certain costs associated with vessel acquisition and financing; and
• to share/cover the early years of operating losses that are likely to total in the $20 million range.
The report Also States that ” A Yarmouth ferry would not have a major impact on the existing Digby-Saint John service since the markets being served by each vessel are substantially separate.”
On Possible vessels, the Panel advises that “There are several vessels potentially available on the world market that could be physically accommodated in Yarmouth and rendered suitable for a cruise ferry to Portland.”
Finally on timing for re-establishment “it is very unlikely that an operation could be established for the 2013 season given the time needed to secure an operator and vessel, and to complete the immediately necessary repairs to the Yarmouth terminal. Extensive market research would be required before committing to re-establish a service, and a marketing campaign to promote the service should be launched a year before its initiation—i.e. in early 2013 for a spring 2014 start. We therefore believe that a 2014 launch would be more realistic.”
The AFL New England has been Sold, and Renamed and reflaged. She is now the WEC MAJORELLE Registered In Cyprus.
Conditions of sale were that she sail by the 15th, so expect a departure within the next week or so once the vessel is recrewed and re-supplied.
