Good Bye to the Atlantic Vision

 Marine Atlantic's flagship ferry Atlantic Vision made a ceremonial last run from Port aux Basques to North Sydney on March 15. A new ship, the Ala'suini, is en route from China and will enter service in June soon.

Acquired in 2008, the Atlantic Vision entered service in 2009. From 2011 it was used on the longer North Sydney to Argentia route seasonally, and but ran on the Cabot Strait route to Port aux Basques for the rest of the year.

The Atlantic Vision was built in 2001 by Howaldswerke Deutsche Werft in Kiel, Germany as Superfast IX. The 30,285 gt ship was capable of 29 knots. Whether it ever had occasion to make that much speed for Marine Atlantic would be interesting to know.

Halifax was not on the ship's usual itinerary, but it did visit once in 2012 and was drydocked at Halifax Shipyard on the Novadock floating drydock. Soon after that the shipyard stopped doing repair work on commercial ships.

The Atlantic Vision is due for another drydocking in April to maintain its DNV classification (1A1 Car Ferry and Ice 1A) but will not be coming here as the Halifax. For the time being it is tied up at one of Marine Atlantic's berths in North Sydney.

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Atlantic Vision out of drydock

Marine Atlantic's Atlantic Vision sailed this afternoon from Halifax Shipyard. The ship arrived in Halifax for the first time October 27 and entered the Novadock floating drydock for maintenance.
Using her thrusters she wiggled out of the drydock on her own, but did use the tugs Atlantic Willow and Atlantic Oak to turn once clear of the dock. She then proceeded to number one anchorage area for a compass swing before heading to sea.

Having completed her summer service between North Sydney and Argentia, the ship may now be on standby to fill in for Highlanders or Blue Puttees if needed, but otherwise will spend a quiet winter alongside. It will be spring however before the crew can get out and complete the much needed repainting of the main blue colour of the hull.

Atlantic Vision - say aaaaaaaaah

Marine Atlantic's Atlantic Vision continues it annual check-up at Halifax Shipyard.