Despite 10 cm or so of fresh snow on the ground, there was another sign of spring in Halifax today: the arrival of the first ship for Asian Gypsy Moth inspection. Every year the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requires ships arriving from certain far eastern ports to submit to inspection for the presence of an invasive species that would harm the coniferous forests of our country. Moth larva can be found in the vicinity of deck lights and other areas of incoming ships, and must be destroyed before the ship is allowed to enter ports. If no traces are found the ship is granted clearance to dock.
Most of the ships that arrive in Halifax for inspection are bulk carriers heading for Quebec ports, and today's arrival is typical of the type.
Frontier Rose is only unusual in that it is a Japanese owned and flagged ship, built in South Korea. The 93,270 gt, 179,266 dwt ship was produced by the Hyundai Gunsan shipyard in 2012 for an affiliate of NYK Lines. That yard specialized in crude oil tankers and bulkers, but closed in 20217 when orders dried up. Shipyard wage rates in China are about one third of those in South Korea, and most yards in the country are experiencing difficult times competing.
Frontier Rose is bound for Port Cartier, QC to load iron ore for ArcelorMittal.
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