Ferbec returns

The bulker Ferbec returned to Canada today as per schedule. The ship, operated by Canada Steamship Lines, has been operating under the Barbados flag since January 1. It is expected to be re-registered in Canada on April 1.

During the ice free shipping season, the ship operates a dedicated service carrying ore from Havre-St-Pierre to Sorel, QC for Rio Tinto's Quebec Iron and Titanium operation. It is then bareboat chartered under Barbados flag for the winter months. It usually returns to Halifax in mid-March to reflag and undergo maintenance.

The mine that supplies the ore has seen sporadic operation in recent years, but does stockpile enough material each year to keep the ship running. [enter "Ferbec" in the search box at left for several references to the ship.]

With the economy in turmoil and many industries shutting down it is apparent that CSL at least expects the normal shuttle service to return to operation.

Ferbec built in 2002 by Nantong COSCO in China is a 27,198 grt, 49,502 dwt bulk carrier equipped with four cranes and clam buckets. CSL operated the ship as CSL Melbourne from 2002 to 2017.

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