Ontario Shipyards temporarily pauses operations in Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY, ON – Ted Kirkpatrick, director of business development and government relations, told The Chronicle-Journal that they have decided to temporarily idle operations at its shipyard largely due to market conditions and the availability of skilled labor.

“Despite these challenging conditions, we remain committed to revitalizing Ontario’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry, including in Thunder Bay,” Kirkpatrick said, adding their organization has no plans to divest from the Thunder Bay shipyard and will remain committed to the city community.

“We continue to actively pursue a number of high-potential shipbuilding opportunities for the Thunder Bay Shipyard, and we still see the Thunder Bay shipyard as playing a key role in supporting shipbuilding activities in Ontario and across Canada.”

He said they are confident that the situation they are facing is temporary and plan to bring shipbuilding back to the city in the “not-so-distant future.”

During the summer of 2021, Ontario (Heddle) Shipyards purchased Fabmar Metals and moved their equipment onto the shipyard campus as part of their development plan. At the same time, the federal government moved forward with construction plans for two Canadian Coast Guard polar icebreakers under the National Shipping Strategy.

Plans to fabricate ship components at the Thunder Bay shipyard, particularly for the Sea-Span Polar icebreaker build taking place in B.C., are now undetermined.

This year on Jan. 1, Heddle Shipyards rebranded itself as Ontario Shipyards. The company, which also operates facilities in Hamilton and St. Catharines, said in a release that the rebranding reflects its growth and future expansion plans.

Meanwhile, Fabmar Metals, which has operated in Thunder Bay for more than 30 years, remains fully operational but idled at the Thunder Bay shipyard after its staff of 15 employees were laid off with severance pay in January shortly after Heddle’s name change.

Dale Ryynanen, retired president of Fabmar Metals Inc., called the plant a turnkey, full-functioning fabrication machine shop facility.

“If an individual went in there, he could start machining something tomorrow,” he said. “It’s still intact and nothing has been stripped out. Fabmar (Metals) is disappointed with the outcome of what’s happened. My vision is that hopefully, there is a future in shipbuilding and industrial work in Thunder Bay for that facility and I’m hopeful the Ontario Shipyards will come back to Thunder Bay.”

The Chronicle-Journal

Port of Lorain adds two livestream cams

 

LORAIN, OH – The Lorain Port Authority has added two livestream cameras at Oasis Marinas at Port Lorain and Black River Landing. The cameras are using an Axis Q6128-E and Axis Q6318-E. These cameras deliver great image quality in 4K resolution with the kind of wide-area coverage and flawless detail you expect from a high-performance PTZ (Point-to-Zoom).

Viewers can access them two ways: On YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@LorainPortandFinanceAuthority

or

https://www.lorainport.com/livecam/

 

FRASER INDUSTRIES SECURES BOND FINANCING, FORGES AHEAD WITH HISTORIC INVESTMENT IN MARITIME INDUSTRY AND WORKFORCE

Apr 18, 2024

SUPERIOR, WI – Fraser Industries, a historic maritime company with subsidiaries Fraser Shipyards, Lake Assault Boats, and Northern Engineering, located in Superior, Wisconsin, and Portsmouth, Virginia, has successfully closed a bond financing deal that will pave the way for a sustainable and robust maritime workforce for future generations. Founded in 1890, the company has been a leader in the Great Lakes maritime industry with unmatched expertise and innovation.

Over the decades, Fraser has built a reputation for excellence in ship construction and repair, serving a diverse range of clients in the commercial, government, and military sectors. From constructing state-of-the-art vessels to providing expert repair services for existing ships, Fraser has consistently delivered exceptional results and earned the trust of customers both locally and internationally.

“These funds will be instrumental in upgrading and expanding our existing facilities, purchasing new equipment, and enhancing our services to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Fraser CEO Patrick Kelly. “This investment will not only drive growth and innovation at the yards but also create new opportunities for the workforce in Superior and Portsmouth.”

Fraser leadership appreciates its partners in the State of Wisconsin, Douglas County, and the City of Superior. “Our partners at the State, County, and City levels made it abundantly clear from the beginning – they were ready to assist us in securing the funds for this historic investment. We look forward to collaborating with government leaders in the future as we advance our mutual goal of making Superior a global maritime leader.”

The financing agreement, finalized at the end of March, positions Fraser well to continue building on its historic foundations, driving innovation in the maritime sector, and contributing to the economic growth of the Superior area.

Opening For Chief Engineer – Interlake Logistics

Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc. operates the versatile articulated tug-barge Undaunted-Pere Marquette, which carries diverse cargoes  on the Great Lakes.   Equipped to self-load cargo with an 800C John Deere excavator, long reach material handler, the uniquely outfitted vessel can utilize a clam bucket for flowable material or a five-tine grapple for large rocks and scrap metal.  The tug Undaunted that powers the Pere Marquette 41 is a repowered Navy ATA/Rescue Tug that served in World War II.  The barge Pere Marquette41 is the repurposed carferry City of Midland.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel’s (both tug and barge) machinery and propulsion plants.

Responsibilities: 

• Both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of equipment / machinery.
• Ordering needed supplies and maintaining inventories.
• Proper record keeping, documentation and adherence to rules and regulations.
• Working with the Engine Utility to maintain a clean, safe, and positive work environment.
• This is not an all-inclusive list, but an overview of responsibilities.

Qualifications/Certifications Required: 

• Minimum requirement; Valid USCG license, Chief Engineer (Limited) with at least a 2000HP endorsement.
• TWIC Card
• Current Physical / USCG Medical Certificate.
• DOT Drug Screen
• Legally eligible to work in the USA (proof of identity or eligibility required.

The rotation is 28 days on the vessel and 28 days off. After completing a 90-day probationary period, your eligible for medical, dental, vision and a 401k plan.

Applicants please apply thru website:  www.ssbadger.com