Boatnerd Discussion Forum

She is done, too much steelwork needed in her + last steamer for CSL, moving on with the the 4 new ships brought from Fednav. In case of need, always have ATLANTIC SUPERIOR as a reflagging candidate.

I layed up on the Halifax in '07 in T.B. The turbines and gearbox were in remarkably good shape, a few small boiler repairs were needed. Mechanically, I think that old tub would run for another 40 years, but the chief told me it was expensive to run fuel-wise.

Steel is another matter, I saw for myself and I don't need to be an inspector to see that she just is no longer structurally sound.

I'd think the CSL work regiment was part of the problem. Outward appearances also seem to show little budget for paint or maintenance, and I'm sure the cost of operating the turbine in comparison to their diesel boats is a factor as well. I don't know for certain, but I'd imagine she probably needs engine and hull work, and likely a 5 year survey.

Hopefully she doesn't follow in the footsteps of Saguenay, Tarantau and Manitoulin, but also consider that the Desmarais, McGiffin, Griffith and Parisien weren't really that old when their forebodies were replaced. I imagine CSL doesn't invest in much year to year maintenance, instead a big expenditure when the boat wears out, rebuild or replace.
I guess time will tell. Self unloaders, especially with the cubic coal hauling capacity of the Halifax are hard to replace, but steam power is a downer in this case.

Hopefully the old Frankcliffe will raise steam again.

I heard that she is pretty chewed up. in 2008 I was on the Anderson and we had to wait for them at DM & IR in Duluth, she was being inspected and we had heard that they had found a lot of holes in the holds and tunnel, stuff that can be repaired, but with the steam plant and her age CSL may not want to invest anymore in her.

[quote="ashland69"]I understand she's all through."

Why? She is somewhat old (Blt. 1962), a 9,000 HP steamer (but so are the Canadian Provider, Montrealais, and Quebecois, and they aren't up for scrap). Her self-unloading system is relatively new. Is it due to hard use in her last years with Halco, or did CSL work her to death?

I'd heard she may be at the end of the line as well. However, if you look at pictures in the news of Sauniere and Halifax laid up, Halifax still has all her navigational and satellite equipment. Sauniere, which I believe is a sure bet for scrap has been stripped of all such equipment.

I understand she's all through. Owners are probably waiting for scrap prices to climb to a more satisfactory level.

Is CSL going to operate their Str. Halifax this year?