Halifax Shipping News

Annual Stop for the Herring Fleet.

2013-05-21T10:00:00.001-03:00

This morning the Herring fleet began arriving with vessels Tasha Marie and Lady Mellisa tieing up on the waterfront.

Herring Are Caught via the Purse Seine Method, where a net encircles the school, and draws it in close to the boat. the hish are then vacumed directly into the hold.

Photos to follow.

Meet the New Essen Express

2013-05-21T09:53:00.001-03:00

Hapag Lloyd today announced taking the delivery of the 13196 TEU Essen Express. She is the 6th of 10 vessels, and is 366m in lenth, and built by Hyundai Heavy Industries at Ulsan, South Korea.

Regulars may recall that Essen Express makes regular calls in Halifax on the PAX Service. In March, the 4,639 teu panamax Essen Express built in 1993 was renamed Boston Express to free the name.

Interestingly, the new vessel is classed as a NeoPanamax, Presumably because she is the largest size that can be accomidated by the new Panama Canal Expansion. Essen Express will be assigned to Loop 5 (Halifax is on loop 1 AZX) of the new G6 Service. Boston Express Will make her first visit to Halifax on May 31.

Top Photo, the old Essen Express (File) Bottom Photo the New Essen Express © lappino via ShipSpotting.com

Halterm for Sale?

2013-05-20T21:22:00.001-03:00

I Have received unconfirmed reports that Halterm Inc, Operator of the South End container terminal is in Financial Difficulty and has put it self up for sale.

A potential purchaser (Specualtion on my part) could Creres Corp, Operators of the Fairview Cove Terminal. Halterm itself is registered a Privately Held Partnership, so its possible one of the partners may buy it out.

More details as they become known.

Friesian Spring Loading Poles

2013-05-20T21:00:00.000-03:00

BBC Mont Blanc for CFIA Inspection

2013-05-20T17:10:00.001-03:00

This year has seen a number of vessels anchor for Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Gypsy Moth Inspections. It was noticed in 2012 that a number of inspected vessels were carrying the Asian Gypsy Moth, the the CFIA and USDA have stepped up their inspection program between March and October of this year (Presumably the moth is not laying eggs over the winter months)

The Asian Gypsy moth is an insect that is native to Japan, China, Korea and Eastern Russia, and can eat large amounts of foliage and result in extensive damage to forests. The Moths typically will lay eggs in protected areas of ships and containers ( Under overhangs, in corners etc.) and can hatch and spread once they are in Canada.

Ships that have visited ports in the affected areas are required to produce a certificate that they are free of Asian Gypsy Moths. On Arrival to Canada, the vessels are required to undergo an inspection to verify the certificate and ensure they are free from the Pest.

For More on the Gypsy moth inspection program see CFIA Directive D 95-03

BBC Mont Blanc Departed at 1530 for Bull Arm NF.

Yantain Express and the start of the G6 service

2013-05-20T11:01:00.001-03:00

Today marks the beginning of the new G6 service to halifax, with the first trip leaving Thailand today. today also brought the arrival of the Yantain Express, one of Hapag Lloyd's vessels assigned to the new service. Hapag Lloyd is likely in the process of shuffling its fleet as OOCL Oakland, and Canada Express, both already regular callers to halifax as assigned to the new service.Yantain Express is to date the largest vessel to call at Fairview cove,at just over 7500teu. Also of note, she tied up port side to the pier, opposite of most vessels, who point their bow in the direction of departure.

The full G6 rotation will be OOCL Oakland, APL Blegium,Canada Express, APL Pearl, Yantain Express, APL Agate, Ningbo Express, APL Coral, Dalian Express and APL Cyprene. all are post-Panamax, and with now 3 exceptions all new first time callers in Halifax.

Photos to follow

Tug Craig Trans to be sold at auction

2013-05-19T22:14:00.001-03:00

A notice was published in Saturdays Chronicle Herald indicating that the tug Craig Trans has been arrested and will be sold at Auction June 15th to pay creditors.

After the tug was arrested in the fall, the owner appeared interested in retaining the vessel however has now stopped paying her bills forcing the sale.

The notice is below

SAR Activity off Maughers Beach

2013-05-17T15:56:00.004-03:00

Around 1430 this afternoon a RCAF Cormorant helicopter was seen winching someone from the water. there appears to be a life raft in the water, and a Dominion Diving vessel also appeared to be in attendance. anyone know the scoop?

Work Progresses On HMCS Athabaskan

2013-05-17T15:53:00.002-03:00

Work is continuing on HMCS Athabaskan, though it appears they are only tending to her holes now..

She has been rotated 180 degrees, and a barge and tarp are against her side in the area where she was holed.

First View of Hero #6

2013-05-17T15:50:00.001-03:00

The 6th Hero Class was rolled out for painting today, the CCGS Corporal McLaren M.M.V.

The Vessel is Named after Corporal Mark Robert McLaren, M.M.V., of Peterborough, Ontario. Corporal McLaren was killed on December 5, 2008, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, when his Canadian-Afghan patrol was ambushed. During the attack, Corporal McLaren crawled through enemy fire to aid his team’s seriously injured interpreter. He was awarded the Medal of Military Valour.

CCGS G. Peddle is tarped to protect her from overspray.

First Visit for the BAHRI ABHA

2013-05-17T12:37:00.001-03:00

Today brings the first Visit for the BAHRI ABHA. The BAHRI ABHA is the replacement for the NSCAA's Saudi Abha, which was sent for scrap earlier this year. A CON-RO ship, she is simalar to ACL's vessels, though she carries cranes to do her own cargo handleing at unimproved ports.

The National Shipping company of Saudi Arabia makes a monthly call on Halifax. All 4 oh their vessels (that call here) are scheduled for replacement.

Row the South Shore

2013-05-17T09:40:00.000-03:00

The ‘Row the South Shore’ project involves building and rowing a traditional dory over

150 nautical miles from Halifax to the Lahave River and back. The Project was concieved and is being executed by Peter L'Esperance. The boat is currently under construction at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and will be launchedJuly 1^st , 2013. The rowing passage will take place between August 1^st and 17^th , 2013.

The principle aim of this project is to promote and facilitate conservation in Nova Scotia. However, a secondary aim is to provide businesses and individuals with an opportunity to offset the negative environmental impacts associated with their activities.

Prior to departure, Peter will seek sponsors and donate any funds raised to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, an organization which works on a variety of fronts to preserve areas of strategic ecological importance across Nova Scotia. Following the completion of the trip, the newly constructed dory will be sold and the proceeds donated to the Nature Trust.

The Vesssel itself is A Swampscot Dory. You can find out more about the project on the Row the South Shore Facebook Page.

More Western Geco Survey Ships

2013-05-15T10:45:00.000-03:00

Offshore exploration is ramping up, with 3 more Western Geco Survey ships due.
Ocean Odyssey(Above) is already tied up at pier 27, and the port is showing that Geco Tau, and WG Magellen and WG Cook are due to arrive.

WG Magellen and WG Cook are interesting vessels, as they are built to the Ulstine X-bow design, and I belive are the first vessels of the design to visit Halifax.

(Left)A photo from shipowner WesternGeco shows WG Magellan and WG Columbus, two of six WesternGeco new seismic vessels with ULSTEIN X-BOW® design, side-by-side as they use a wide azimuth seismic technique, a recent seismic innovation to gather best possible seismic hits.

Also Due is the Offshore Supply vessel Riverton. Riverton is the Ex MV Smit-Lloyd 112 built in 1975 and was used as an “OffShore Supply” vessel in the North Sea and later for Canadian Patrol Frigate Trials Support & General Purpose Auxiliary in the RCN. She is owned by Cape Harrison Marine, Who Also own the Ex RCN Minesweaper Anticosti, which recently suffered an engineroom fire.

Riverton will likely serve as a tender to the Survey vessels while they are on station.

Update: WG Magellan arriving this morning. Photo by @cove17 via twitter

the fleet is scheduled to depart on tuesday for he exploration grounds, and will be working for Shell.

UPDATE 2: More of the Fleet

(Above)Geco Tau (Below)ex RCN Tug Riverton, as a supply vessel

(2 Images Below) WG Cook

Upcoming Warship Visits

2013-05-15T10:16:00.000-03:00

The Coming days will bring 2 warship visits to Halifax.

The first will the German Navy Research vessel FGS Planet, Due to Arive on may 25th. Built as a Swath Design, She is incredibly stable in rought sea states. SWATH technology was developed by a Canadian, Frederick G. Creed in the 1930's. The Canadian Coast Guard has a Research vessel (Its only swath Design) named after him. thanks to Seawaves for the tip.

ShipSpotting.com© Anthony Vella

The Second vessel, will be a US Navy vessel for the annual memorial day commemorations at deadmans Island, on May 27th.

UPDATE> RCN News Mag is reporting the Japanese navy is on another training tour, and will be visiting Halifax July 8-11.

Atlantic Pilot pays a visit.

2013-05-15T09:22:00.001-03:00

The Atlantic Pilotage Authorities vessel "Atlantic Pilot" is currently tied up at the APA Wharf in Halifax. A simalar design to Chubucto Pilot, Atlantic Pilot was built by A.F. Theriault & Sons Ltd, in Meteghan River, NS. She was christened in Halifax on November 15th, 2007, and is normally staioned with her sister vessel "Avalon Pilot" in Placentia Bay, NL

M/v Miner Update

2013-05-14T12:54:00.000-03:00

The above Photo was contributed by Pete Spencer, from April 18 2013, photo taken from m/v Dominion Victory. The entire side is open from stem to stern.

More recent photos were posted by Area Counciler Kevin Saccary from May 6. You can view them in his Facebook Album

Dorothea, Post Launch

2013-05-13T13:27:00.002-03:00

Nova Scotia Sea Schools vessel Dorothea Launched this past Saturday. Shes tied up on the waterfront, Aclimating to her new watery home.

Ocean Odyssey

2013-05-13T09:23:00.001-03:00

The Siesmic Vessel Ocean Odyssey arrived this morning and tied up at Pier 27. Built in 2005, and owned by the Norwegian firm Remoy Shipping, she is currently on charter to Western Geco.

Western Geco Previously was doing work of Newfoundland.

HMCS Halifax, Up Close, Post Felex

2013-05-10T13:57:00.001-03:00

HMCS Halifax, the first vessel to complete her FELEX refit, spent the first weekend in may tied up on the waterfront for battle of the atlantic commemorations.

(Above) Hanger Antena fit. (Below) note the dark stripe - this is likely heat or emi resistant paint

(Above) Antena Fit (below) Upgraded 57mm Gun

(Above) Forward view of Masts (below) New Fin saves fuel. HMCS Toronto had one installed before she deployed.

Dorothea, Launching Tomorow

2013-05-10T13:44:00.002-03:00

Dorothea, Today, Waiting to be Launched. She was rolled out of the shed yesterday, and placed on the barge. She will then be launched from the barge.

Before rollout. one of the last activities was mounting the rudder hardware. (above)

HMCS St John's Spilled Fuel

2013-05-08T12:00:00.001-03:00

CBC News is reporting that HMCS St John's spilled Fuel into the Harbour this morning. A Navy Spokesman said the spill was reported at 5 a.m. by crew aboard HMCS St. John's.

HMCS St. John's is currently at anchor in the inner harbour. The Cause of the spill is not known at the moment.

A GOC Survaliance aircraft used for polution monitoring was perfoming overflights earlier today, and may be related.

Happy 100th Acadia

2013-05-08T11:44:00.000-03:00

Today marks the 100th anivarsary of the Launching of the CSS Acadia. The Acadia is a former hydrographic Canadian Survey ship of the Canadian Government, that is now part of the collection of the Maritime Museaum of the Atlantic.

Acadia served Canada for more than five decades from 1913–1969, charting the coastline of almost every part of Eastern Canada including pioneering surveys of Hudson Bay. She was also twice commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy as HMCS Acadia, during the 2 world wars.

Retaining her original engines, boilers and little-changed accommodations, she is one of the best preserved Edwardian ocean steamships in the world and a renowned example of Canada's earliest scientific prowess in the fields of hydrography and oceanography.

Dorothea Update

2013-05-06T13:55:00.000-03:00

Shes almost ready for the water (Next Saturday) Dorothea now sports a full paint job. Big difference from when we first saw her back in December.

Halifax From the Air

2013-05-06T10:56:00.000-03:00

The Entire Harbour, From Canjet Flight 672 Last sunday. At the bottom of the image is the Bedford Basin, and the point of land at the top right of the photo is Chebucto Head.

First Cruise Ship of the Season - Siver Whisper

2013-05-06T10:32:00.001-03:00

The First Cruise Ship of the Season goes to Silversea Cruises ship Silver Whisper, who tied up at Pier 20 just after 0830 this morning. An regular apperer in Halifax, She will be back in the Fall.