Ferbec

In 2017, Canada Steamship Lines welcomed the motor vessel Ferbec, a 49,910 DWT conventional geared bulk carrier equipped with four 30 ton cranes with grabs. The vessel, which previously operated in CSL’s Australian fleet as CSL Melbourne, is the largest vessel of its type in the Canadian domestic shipping market.

Upon arrival in Québec City on May 13, 2017, the vessel underwent modifications to adapt to its new operating environment. Ferbec is now operating under Canadian flag in the Havre St-Pierre to Sorel corridor for long time-customer Rio Tinto.

Ferbec was built in 2002 at COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co. Ltd., Nantong, China, as Orientor 2. One of 10 sister ships built between 2000 and 2004.

The arrival of Ferbec in the Canadian fleet is part of CSL’s fleet optimization and capacity management program, which has seen the introduction of six new state-of-the art Trillium Class vessels to the Canadian fleet and the retirement of older, less efficient ships. Although too large for the St. Lawrence Seaway, Ferbec is a frequent visitor to the St. Lawrence River.

Written by Roger LeLievre.