Opening of the Saint-Laurent seaway

[Marcel Giroux]

The icebreaker MARTHA L. BLACK has started de-icing  in the lower portion of the seaway. This is a definite sign that spring is comming although there is a lot of work ahead.

[Paul Bradshaw]

Apparently we are back in business a day early? The last vessel thru last season is already back in the system now,enroute Thunder Bay via the Welland Canal. Algoma Equinox

[Vincent Milner]

The icebreaker MARTHA L. BLACK has started de-icing  in the lower portion of the seaway. This is a definite sign that spring is comming although there is a lot of work ahead.

Yes the coast guard has sent extra icebreaker to help de-icing. These conditions have already had a negative effect on the economy. This was the worst winters on record, since Environment Canada began recording statistics in 1972.

[Vincent Milner]

Also, the Great lakes shipping industry is planning to inject $500 million into infrastructure. This is being done to help meet the rising demands for exports, they plan to rebuild lock walls and gates and automate the system of 15 locks that connect the eastern Great Lakes with the St. Lawrence River.

[Marcel Giroux]

There is a group of 12 cargos at anchor near Sorel waiting for the opening of the seaway.

[Paul Bradshaw]

CCGS Griffon is here in the bay this morning opening up the dock at Essroc. Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario

[Marcel Giroux]

Tanks  Paul for the info.
It looks like the ice-breaker DESGROSEILLERS is en route to work in the seaway along with the MARTHA L. BLACK and the RADISSON.

[Les bateaux du Qu]

...and CCGS George R. Pearkes is on it's way to the Qu

[Marcel Giroux]

The tanker CHARLOTTE THERESA is the first commercial ship to enter the seaway up bound from Montr

[Les bateaux du Qu]

On the web site of "Port de Quebec", CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent is expected for tommorow. Anyone knows why it is coming here? Maybe George R. Pearkes will go back to icebreaking duties in the gulf and Louis will stay idle in quebec city to save fuel?

[Les bateaux du Qu]

CCGS Louis S St-Laurent is heading for Davie shipyard. Maybe for maintenance or to give escort to the new Cecon Pride?

Will see tomorow!

[Marcel Giroux]

Tanks for the info. We will take a close watch for the departure of the CECON PRIDE IMO 9431915 due in late april. This event may deserve a new forum topic.
Merci encore.

[Marcel Giroux]

The icebreaker Louis Saint Laurent is at Davies shipyard for refit
Here is the link:
http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=839909