Canadian Coast Guard photo
Great news for Shelburne.
Local MP Bernadette Jordan, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard was at Shelburne Ship Repair to announce a $12.1 million vessel life extension refit for the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Edward Cornwallis.
“Today, I am thrilled to announce that the government is awarding a twelve million dollar contract to Shelburne Ship Repair so that the members of this community can perform the crucial vessel life extension work on the Cornwallis.”
Minister Jordan described the work that is needed and what it will do for the community.
“Upgrading and refitting this vessel will support up to fifty-five jobs in this community. I’m confident that, in turn, we will have a strong impact on the local community and great ripple effects across Nova Scotia’s economy. Starting this April, the ship will have its main engines replaced, it will also get a new heavy-lift crane, a new bow-thruster, and hull coating.”
The vessel will also undergo regulatory work such as, pulling and inspecting the tail shafts, seals, stern tubes, propellers, and rudder. In addition, miscellaneous regulatory surveys of the sea bays, sea chests and void spaces will be conducted.
Kevin McCoy, President of Irving Shipbuilding, called the announcement “good news for Shelburne and the South Shore of Nova Scotia”.
The 34-year-old light icebreaker was launched in 1986 and built by Marine Industries from Tracy, Quebec and is based out of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Since the launch of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, more than $7.5 billion in contracts has been awarded under the repair, refit and maintenance pillar of the strategy.
The work is expected to take place from April, 2020 to January, 2021.
Minister Jordan flanked by employees at the Shipyard post-announcement.
