Christina C for Bunkers in the Fog

Algoma Dartmouth Has just departed the Christina C, at anchor in the inner harbour for bunkers. She departed for Come by Chance NL after 1400.

CCGS Martha L. Black in Halifax

the CCGS Martha L. Black also arrived this morning and tied up at BIO. Shes an odd sight in halifax, as she is Homported in Quebec City, and Normally works the St Lawerence river.

Photos to follow.

Coastal Cruise Ship Yorktown

A small Cruise ship, She is meant to ply Coastal Waterways. She is here for the Morning (departs at 1400), and arrived from Lunenburg. A Large Irving Tanker was waiting to top up the fuel tanks, While Pasengers toured the city.


 The Great Lakes Cruise Company States:

The Yorktown is the perfect vessel for relaxed and convivial exploration of America's great coastal waterways. Renovated in 2009, the Yorktown was built in Florida in 1988 specifically for coastal cruising. Certified by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Yorktown flies the American flag and is staffed by friendly and experienced American officers and crew.

257 feet long, 43 feet wide, with a draft of 8 feet, the Yorktown is able to maneuver in secluded waterways and visit small ports that are inaccessible to larger vessels. And Yorktown's American registry makes it possible to operate domestic itineraries unavailable to foreign-flag ships.

Princess of Acadia for Repairs

The Princess of Acadia arrived and headed straight for the Nova Dock. She is expected to return to service on the 31st, so this will be a fast docking. This is Some sort of emergency repair, though she seemed to be operating as normal when she entered port.

Skogafoss at Woodside

The Eimskip vessel Skogafoss arrived for a 12 day drydock and work period. She has likely been tied up at woodside, as the Digby/St. John ferry Princess of Acadia is due today at 11 for Emegency repairs, requireing a schedule adjustment.

Thanks to BayFerryMan for the Princess of Acadia Tip

German Navy Visitors

3 German naval Vessels Arrived this Morning FGS Frankfurt am Main (below); FGS Hessen (Above) and FGS Emden (below below). FGS Frankfurt am Main has been to Halifax before, and is one of 2 perfered platforms for replacing HMCS Preserver and Protectur. The 3 vessels arrived spaced by an hour, which made photographing them more difficult. They will next be at the Quebec Naval Rendezvous June 6

Photo of FGS Emden below.

Lunenburg and the Bluenose II

Tall Ships In Lunenburg

While the Picton Castle is off sailing the Atlantic, you can always check the progress on Captain Moreland's other venture, the Twin Schooners Project at the Dory Shop. the plan is to build 2 nearly identical Schooners at the same time - so far so good.

You can also check on the progress on the Bluenose. They are currently making preperations for her re-launch, which will require the dismantling of the building she's in so they can move her sideways to the launching ways. The Lunch is Scheduled for July, and then she will be rigged. Her crew returns June 1.

Halifax's New Pilot Boat

In Feb 2011 the Atlantic Pilotage Authority signed a contract with ABCO in Lunenburg for new pilot boats for Halifax and Saint John. Given the Name,Chebucto Pilot, This one appears to be destined for Halifax.

 The boats were designed by Lengkeek Vessel Engineering. The design was based on criteria established by a joint design team consisting of APA pilots, launch crews, Board Members, and Management. These 17 metre aluminum vessels will operate at a service speed of 18 knots.

For Construction Photos, and a photos of historical Pilot Boats, Look at the APA's Flickr Page

Blue Puttees Departs the Nova Dock

The Marine Atlanic Ferry Blue Puttees  Departed from the Nova Dock this afternoon.

She Performed a compass swing south of Georges Island and tied up at Pier 30, for repairs on the second engine.

HMCS Ojibwa Being Loaded

The Dock is Submeged, and Ojibwa is awaiing the passage of 2 Container ships and the ferry Blue Puttees from the Nova Dock.

UPDATE:

Memorial Day Port Visit by USS Laboon (DDG-58)

This years US Navy Port visit will be handled by the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Laboon (DDG-58). Every year the US Navy snds a vessel to hold commemorations for he US Sailors Buried on Deadmans Island from the War of 1812.

USS Laboon Was Commissioned in July 1995, and visited Halifax in September of that year.

Florence M Arrives for Ojibwa

The tug Florence M and the Barge Heddle M1 arived aound 1400 today. They proceded to Pier Navy L, and will load the former HMCS Ojibwa for transport to Ontario, where she will become a Museum Piece. This same method was  used to transport the previous 2 subs for scrapping, after Onadonga had Issues being towed.

A Bit of History:

The 4 Oberon Boats spent much thier retired life tied up in a row at Navy L in Dartmouth, though one was used in the movie K19 Widowmaker. The Onadonga was the first to leave in July 2008, bound for the Maritime Museum in Rimouski. Onadonga was towed by the Tug Jerry Newbury, though Towing proved difficult, and the towing bridle parted on the first attempt to leave.

 

She was evenually towed, hough the dificulty was likely he reason to use the barge (which submergs to allow the sub to float on and off.)

Halterm Improvements

Hot on the Heals of the Port Authorities Land purchase from CN, Work has already begun at Halterm. The new road alignment can be seen, as can the realigned rail sidings. Once this is complete, the new truck marshalling yard and gate complex will be constructed.

Addional Confirmed Attendies

Tall Ships NS has confirmed some Addtional Attendies. They are: Amistad - A Replica of a slave ship that was aken over by the slaves;Harvey Gamage; Gazela - a Portugase Grand Banks Schooner from 1901; Peacemaker. Also on the list is the Bluenose II. his is interesting, as she is only scheduled to be launched from refit in July.

Lieke

Another First time caller to Halifax, Lieke is on charter to Nirint. She was Lieke here to load a special break bulk cargo, as she tied up away from container handling or dry bulk handling equipment.

Another New Caller at Fairview Cove

OOCL Kuala Lumpur at Fairview Cove. She is another new caller this year. Hapag Lloyd has added numerous new vessels this year, making Fairview Cove more interesting so far this year.

Atlantic Towings Shopping Spree

Atlantic Towings  newest tug Alantic Birch II arrived in Halifax yesterday. She was recently aquired From Thor (See Shipfax), and was immedialy tasked with a siesmic survey off Greenland.

Last September, Atlantic Towing aquired Atlantic Raven, a UT722 Anchor Handling Supply Tug (Same model as thier other AHST's)

UPDATE: As indicated in the Comments, Atlantic Birch II appears to be filling in for Atlantic Condor, Whos last location appeared to the ISI Shelbune Ship Repair Facility. It sems tha alo of work ha might have ben done in the damaged Scotia Dock is now occuring on the Refurbishd marine railway there.

HMCS Ojibwa Update

The doubt surrounding the fate of the former HMCS Ojibwa, currently tied up at the Naval Dockyard Annex in Dartmouth has been resolved. Peter Mackay, The minister of Defence, signed an agreement turning over the Sub to the Elgin Military Museum in St. Thomas Ontario.

Onandaga became a museum piece in Rimouski PQ, and Okanagan and Olympus were scrapped last year. Its a shame we chose to save 2 British Boats, But couldn't be bothered to save HMCS Frasier (or the other 2 Annapolis Class boats) that were designed and built in Canada, and summarily scrapped last year.

UPDATE: The London Free Press is reporting the Tug Florence M is on her way to Halifax from Hamilton to return with the Sub which is scheduled to be Installed on September 8.The Florence M shows an ETA of May 25th for her Halifax arival.

They're Back! the Annual Return of the Fishing Fleet

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.

Whats Going on at Pier 9?

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.

CCGS Private Robertson VC Launched

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.

UPDATE 2: By Request, Additional Photos

Prior To Launch

Moving Down the Marine Railway

Almost In

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.

CCGS Private Roberston VC ready for Launch

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.

Comment From Halifax Port Authority On AFL

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.

Blue Putties Turn

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.

Tall Ships NS Attendies Confirmed

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.

Halifax Port Authority Buys Land from CN

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.

Apollogracht at Fairview Cove

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

American Feeder Lines Ends Service

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.