Canada awards Coast Guard Vessel Life Extension contract

CCGS Dumit

DECEMBER 3, 2014 —The Government of Canada has awarded a $5.9 million contract to Northern Transportation Company Limited for Vessel Life Extension (VLE) and refit work for Canadian Coast Guard ship CCGS Dumit.

Based in Hay River, Northwest Territories, Northern Transportation is northern Canada’s largest marine transportation company. It has an extensive tug and barge fleet that includes two Arctic Class 2 tugs. To maintain its fleet, its facilities in Hay include a large shipyard with  a Syncrolift and rail transfer system.

CCGS Dumit, which is based in Hay, provides Aid to Navigation services on the Mackenzie River. It was delivered by  Allied Shipbuilders Ltd., North Vancouver, BC, in 1979. The VLE contract will include extensive repairs and upgrades throughout the vessel, such as the replacement of the ship service generator, electronic switchboard and equipment. This work must be carried out during the non-operational period of the vessel, from early December 2014 to early May 2015. Work is scheduled to begin in December 2014 and be completed by May 2015.

The contract is being awarded as part of the $360 million investment to extend the life of the Coast Guard fleet announced in February 2013. The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy aims to support a vibrant Canadian shipbuilding industry by ensuring shipyards across the country can compete and benefit from Canada’s significant ongoing maintenance requirements while ensuring the best value for Canadian taxpayers.