CHANTIER Davie Canada Inc has slammed the government over Canada's ship safety record after the Quebec shipyard declined to bid on refit work for the coast guard's science vessel, CCGS Hudson, saying its condition 'presents a serious and real threat to safety of life at sea' given that the 56-year-old ship is the oldest in its fleet.
'I have spoken with former crew of the Hudson who feel this statement is off base. The ship is still safe, despite its age, but things are wearing out, thus the requirement for the work period,' the letter was cited as saying in a report by Halifax Chronicle Herald.
'According to the request for proposals, the refit work is scheduled for February 25 to July 15 this year and includes significant steel work, tank replacement and replacement of watertight openings,' it said.
The work will need to pass a Lloyds Register inspection of the vessel's hull and machinery against the society's technical standards.
The letter continued: 'The presence of the class society notwithstanding, Transport Canada Ship Safety has an obligation to inspect and detain any ship that it becomes aware may be potentially unsafe. I have heard stories of coast guard vessels being detained by the coast guard in the past due to various issues.'
The Davie letter was addressed to the public works procurement contact, suggesting the letter was more of a political statement than a legitimate safety concern.
A request to Transport Canada, to confirm if they received the letter from Davie, or if they consider its publication to be sufficient grounds to investigate and to find out what actions they have taken was acknowledged, but not answered by the deadline.
WORLD SHIPPING
'I have spoken with former crew of the Hudson who feel this statement is off base. The ship is still safe, despite its age, but things are wearing out, thus the requirement for the work period,' the letter was cited as saying in a report by Halifax Chronicle Herald.
'According to the request for proposals, the refit work is scheduled for February 25 to July 15 this year and includes significant steel work, tank replacement and replacement of watertight openings,' it said.
The work will need to pass a Lloyds Register inspection of the vessel's hull and machinery against the society's technical standards.
The letter continued: 'The presence of the class society notwithstanding, Transport Canada Ship Safety has an obligation to inspect and detain any ship that it becomes aware may be potentially unsafe. I have heard stories of coast guard vessels being detained by the coast guard in the past due to various issues.'
The Davie letter was addressed to the public works procurement contact, suggesting the letter was more of a political statement than a legitimate safety concern.
A request to Transport Canada, to confirm if they received the letter from Davie, or if they consider its publication to be sufficient grounds to investigate and to find out what actions they have taken was acknowledged, but not answered by the deadline.
WORLD SHIPPING