New Canadian Mariner

[Richard Jenkins]

Now that the Canadian government is going to waive the import duty on foreign-built ships, I don't expect we'll be seeing any more widening or forebody replacement projects on the existing fleet. It will likely be more cost-effective to scrap them and replace them with new Chinese-built ships.

[Richard]

So, does this mean then that the New Canadian Mariner could
possibly be taking over one of the current ULS/SMT vessel routes?
Consider this, the Canadian fleet is aging and many lakers are
going to the scrappers and Canadian Progress was built in 1968.
Would ULS/SMT consider widening the Progress to 78' in the near
future, much like they did with the John D. Leitch a few years back? Just a thought since the Progress is over 40 years of age.

[Guest]

Strictly a guess, but I'd say she'll probably be on the lakes more as Algoma seems to trade their boats on the East Coast as part of the SMT partnership, as compared to ULS, which concentrates on the lakes and seaway.

[Richard]

I have some questions regarding the New Canadian Mariner being
built in China. What is her current status and are there any
pictures of her being built and where can one find any pictures?
Also, in 2011 will she see more action on Canada's East Coast as is
the case of the Algobay, or will she be up in the lakes more often?
Would appreciate any updates and information on her. Thank You.