Halifax shipyard rolled out the first of the Coast Guards Mid Shore Patrol Boats today.
(photo is through 2 fences).
In other shipyard news, Shelburne Ship Repair re-opened last month, and picked up contracts to repaint CCGS Earl Grey (based in Halifax) and perform maintinance on CFAV Sea Scheldt, a Navy Diving Tender.
The New Grand Manan Ferry Departed the Nova Dock this afternoon, and performed a few hours of trials in the basin before departing for Blacks Harbour NB. The new ferry was put into service, and quickly withdrawn after problems developed.
Shes Tied up at Shelbourn ship repair, waiting for Lawers to sort things out.
First Some Background.
ISI finished construction of the Vessel in April 2009, conducted dock–and–sea trials,
and on May 6, 2009 gave Pearl Seas written notice of completion of the trial run. During Consrtuction there were several changes made to the vessel design, and these were likely the source, at least in part, of the construction Delays. On May 9 Pearl Seas rejected the Vessel, aruging it is not compliant with the contract, that “would materially interfere with the operation of the Vessel.
The Contract contained an Arbitration Clause. During and after construction of the Vessel, Irving Shipbuilding and Pearl Seas repeatedly disagreed about the terms of the Contract and each other’s performance. They convened an arbitral panel to which they have submitted their numerous disputes. Perl Seas have sited several issues, including Late Delivery and deficencies (70 issues were identified, 17 of which were “[t]he most serious defects.”) including cosmetic or minor construction defects, failure to install certain Contract items, excessive noise and vibration (of HVAC), and failure to install shower stalls. As well, The Flag State Determined that the condition of ‘Pearl Mist’ is not to a standard acceptable for registration, and Pearl Seas argued the vessel was not in complicance with USCG Regulations. For these reasons, Pearl seas Terminiated the contract.
Irving Shipbuilding argued it was not in default because none of the non–regulatory defects rose to the level of a failure to perform a material requirement
of the contract, and that USCG requires that the owner of a ship must be part of the certification process, and that the “vessel must be crewed, in order to carry out the Training and Drills tests”
The arbitrator agreed with Irving, and and Pearl Seas Sued Irving in Connecticut Court to dismiss the arbitrators Verdict. In both cases the Case was dismissed. So Where does this Leave the Pearl Mist? Likely In the Arbitation Panels hands. At this point it appears that Pearl Seas will be held to the contract – though will likely recive some compensation for the deficencies (which is capped at 2 million dollars or so)
For the Rullings, See:
http://02ec4c5.netsolhost.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Pearl-Seas-2.9.11.pdf
http://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/connecticut/ctdce/3:2010cv01294/90364/51/0.pdf?1297340424
The Scotia Dock II Returned to her normal place, next to the Nova Dock.
Her Side still appears to be Hove in, so its unclear what the prognosis is.
The Scotia Dock II sank in May 2010 while preparing to lift the Stevens Breaker.
Petit Princess runs from Digby Neck to Long Island. She was built By Halifax Shipyard
The Joe Casey Was built By A.F Theriault on the Methagan river, and plies the waters between Long Island and Brier Island.
Shelburne ship repair is another Irving yard ( Halifax Shipyard, St John Shipbuilding (NB), and East Isle (PEI) are the Others). The Yard is currently the home of the Pearl Mist. Built at Halifax Shipyards, her delivery was refused by the Pearl Seas Cruises for defecnies, inculding not meeting standards of various vessel Licencing Authorities, including the USCG and the Flag State (Marshal Islands). The Flag state issues are contractual and apparently trivial to resolve. The USCG Issues are outside the contract, and actully require the vessel to be turned over and crewed by the owner prior to certification.
The yard recently began several million in repairs and upgrades, including a new Marine Railway seen here:
Well, its now a case of Hurry up and wait.
The Quebec based Davie Yard, Had its sale to Ontario based Upper Lakes Shipping approved Thursday, Just barely making them eligible to bid. Irving Shipbuilding, and BC based SeaSpan Have also confirmed bids. 32 boxes of bid documents were submitted, and of those 16 belong to ISI.
For More, See (Via The Chronicle Herald) Battle of the boatyards Source: Halifax ship bid on course
Shelburne district backs Halifax bid
Halifax Shipyard has released a time lapse video on The Construction of the Atlantic Condor.
Atlantic Oak and Atlantic Willow Were back at it today.
Irving Shipbuilding also had representatives on the waterfront telling people about the procurement strategy. (along with other booths celebrating Oceans Day.
The federal governments ship procurement process has generated lots of interest locally as the benefits to Halifax (and the Atlantic Provinces in general) if Irving Shipbuilding is awarded the contract.
Lobbying efforts have so far included visits from the Premier, a Web site, and apparently now banner ad’s on Ottawa News Web sites.
