2014 has had a few big ticket items in the news column for me. Here's my top 5 I covered from this year
5.
Saulnierville harbour improvements Work took place from June until September this year for dredging and installation of a floating wharf at the Saulnierville government wharf. Equipment used was Harbour Developments dredge D6, tug Atlantic Tamarack, scows HD-8 and HD-9. The barge Commdive II was from another contractor and used for the floating wharf installation.
4.
Liam finally departs for new home In late summer, the Liam finally departed after a full year laid over at the Meteghan wharf. Made a fuel stop in Punta Delgada in the Azores before arriving at her new home in Holland.
3.
Construction of new Halifax-Woodside ferry, order for 2 more In late April, the new Halifax-Woodside ferry Christopher Stannix was launched at AF Theriault and sons with final fitting out at the Saulnierville government wharf. AF Theriault also has a contract to construct two brand new ferries for the Alderney Landing route which was announced shortly after the Christopher Stannix was put into service.
2.
Relaunch of Yarmouth ferry The relaunch of the Yarmouth-Portland route started on May 15, however, the Nova Star made her first North American stop in Yarmouth exactly 1 month before her maiden voyage on April 15. It was a very slow start which led to low passenger numbers for its inaugural season, however July, August and September saw improvements in passenger counts every month. The inaugural season also ended almost 3 weeks early on October 14 instead of November 2 and still no announcement of winter work at this time. Currently, Nova Star is laid up in Shelburne for the moment and hopefully winter work will be found.
1.
Digby ferry replacement identified Finally, the announcement that many of us have waited for for a long time, a replacement for the 43 year old Princess of Acadia has been found. She is formerly the Blue Star Ithaki from Blue Star Ferries which operates ferries between the Greek mainland and the Greek isles. The ship is expected to enter service in the new year and is currently having its main engines overhauled in Halifax. Other modifications to follow as well.
