McAsphalt/Stirling who are now running the Algoma Dartmouth were in the process of adding a tank to their farm in eastern passage to store bunker fuels. I stopped by to take a photo, and discovered it was damaged in yesterdays wind. As the tank was still being erected, it was lacking full support, including a roof.
2 vessels made brief stops at the anchorages late this afternoon. both sailed early evening. first to arrive was the Atlantic Dawn, sailing to Charleston from Quebec City. She put in for bunkers at anchorage 7.
Following shortly behind was the bulker Aliki, bound for Sept Ile PQ to load iron ore. She pulled in to Anchorage #1fro CFIA Gypsy moth inspection before heading inland.
From Monday; VLCC Value took bunkers in anchorage 1 and sailed.
The general cargo ship Fanfare Arrived this morning for bunkers. 2 additional ships are scheduled to anchor today for bunkers, marking a particularly busy day for Algoma Dartmouth.
Fanfare was built in china in 2007 and owned by Dohle Schiffahrt. at 138m in length, she is typical of the type.
The Articulated Tug And Barge Victorious with John J Carrick have been frequent visitors to Halifax over the years. Typically they are delivering liquid Asphalt to the McAsphalt Dock in Eastern Passage. This year, they spent the winter in halifax, arriving on January 23rd. They served as a supply base for their sister company Stirling Fuels. Stirling Marine Fuels chartered the Algoma Dartmouth from Algoma, and is operating the Bunkering Service in Halifax, since imperial oil shut down the refinery, and announced they would no longer be importing Bunker C Fuel. The long term plans are unknown at this point, but the barge has enough oil left to fill Algoma Dartmouth one more time, and will then head back to the great lakes, presumably after the 31st when the seaway re-opens.
I was able to get in touch with the Captain, and after clearing it with head office, I was able to Get a Tour. So thanks go to both.
Looking out across the Deck of the John J Carrick, Take a Moment to notice how clean it is. I spent 45 minutes aboard, and my hands end up dirtier after paying for gas.
Looking across the deck, the John J Carrack has 12 tanks, 6 port and 6 starboard. she is capable of carrying 11000 tons of product. compared to other tankers she is relatively simple as she is only equipped to handle one commodity at a time. The hatches protruding allow access to the tanks for cleaning, maintenance and sounding. At the stern of the barge, are 2 pump rooms, and an engine room that contains heaters to warm the product so it flows.
(below)The Bow of the tug from the bridge. the gang plank allows the crew to walk between the tug and barge.
(Below) Bolt down hatch removed opening to the Void space leading to the ballast tanks.
(Above and Bellow) the Bow thruster compartment in the bow of the barge 4 decks down. the thruster uses a Jet of water unlike other vessels with a sideways mounted propellor.
(Above) the pin in the notch on the outside. note the various levels based on the draft of the barge. (Below) the machinery that retracts the pin the pin is housed in the cylinder when retracted.
(Above) Inside the engine room. note the Red MAK engine on the left (there is also one on the right)
(Below) Rudder compartment. note the linkage to the port rudder, there is another to starboard not shown.
The remainder of the tug Contains a Large galley and mess, as well as Sleeping Quarters for the crew.
The NYK line PCTC Aquarious Leader tied up at Autoport. She is a regular caller to autoport, as part of NYK RORO’s USCX service. She was built in 2008 and can carry 5980 cars.
The observant of you may notice a more head on angle then normal. The Tug Victorious and barge John J. Carrick are docked at the McAsphalt Dock, just forward of Autoport. Stay tuned for a post on that.
Today brought the First bunkering Job for the Algoma Dartmouth under Stirling Management. She tied up alongside the Maria Desganges, shortly after her arrival this morning.
With the arrival of Victorious, and her Barge to the McAsphalt dock yesterday, today brought the movement of the Algoma Dartmouth from pier 9 to alongside for transfer.
UPDATE: A clear day allowed me to get the shot today (01.31) It appears the tug/barge will be topping up Algoma Dartmouth Directly.
UPDATE: Better Image Below
Algoma Central Corporation has entered into an agreement with Sterling Fuels Limited to continue marine fuel delivery services using its bunkering vessel, Algoma Dartmouth, in the Port of Halifax and surrounding area. This new arrangement will be effective upon the expiry of current agreements for fuel delivery services on January 18, 2014.
Algoma brought the Algoma Dartmouth to Halifax harbour in 2009 to provide marine delivery services within the Harbour for marine fuels produced at the Dartmouth Refinery. With the closure of this refinery in September, 2013, the existing source of supply for marine bunker and intermediate marine fuel blends ended.
Marine fuel customers will continue to see the same Algoma team on the Algoma Dartmouth. “This vessel and crew have a distinguished track record in their performance and service since 2009. We are very pleased to keep this team together to continue to meet the Halifax area marine fuelling requirements,” said Mr. Smith.
From Sterling Fuels Release – it would appear that they are charting the vessel and the crew from Algoma. A Sterling sister company already operates the McAsphalt dock in Eastern passage near Autoport, so presumably Sterling will be importing fuel to a tank there. Sterling is also related to the Miller Group, who provide road construction and waste disposal services in HRM.
Sterling is a Bunkering provider in the Great Lakes region.
UPDATE: Apparently the McAshpalt owned Tug/barge combo Victorious / John J.Carrick are on their way to Halifax with bunker product from Quebec.
UPDATE: Victorious / John J.Carrickare due on the 23rd to the McAshphalt Dock in Eastern Passage. If Algoma Dartmouth ties up there, we will know the plan.
BBC Pacific arrived at anchor just before noon for bunkers. A quick stop, she is scheduled to depart late this afternoon. Built in 2007, she can carry 338TEU, and features 2 holds with a tween deck.
She is typical of the general cargo vessels that trade in Halifax, though this is a bunker stop only.
