Morning Charlotte - reverse order

 Autocarriers calling in Halifax often have RoRo cargo that does not consist of automobiles. This can include wheeled machinery and heavy loads on trailers. Automobiles are almost always* handled at Autoport, a facility owned and operated by CN, where imported cars are stockpiled, prepped and have certain kinds of acessories installed, then dispatched by truck or rail to inland distribution centres. The non-auto RoRo cargo is usually discharged at Pier 9C in Richmond Terminals where it can be trucked or sometimes sent by rail to destination.

The normal process is for the ships to dock at Pier 9C first, then move to Autoport. (See the post from April 5 where some cargo had to be landed temporarily to allow access to other cargo.)

Today, April 12 was done in reverse order however when the Morning Charlotte arrived at Autoport first thing in the morning, then moved to Pier 9C in the evening. This however did provide for photo opportunities for both sides of the ship (the ships are not symmetrical), plus some low angle sun (golden hour) photos.

It is still a bit of a novelty to see an autocarrrier northbound in the harbour. Until last year most RoRo cargo was landed in the south end Ocean Terminals piers, but that area is now being redeveloped for container terminal expansion. and the work is now exclusive to Pier 9C.

The tugs Atlantic Fir forward and Atlantic Oak aft guide the ship out of Eastern Passage and east of George's Island.

The ship worked its way through the Narrows heading into a stiff breeze from the north.

 

 

Once clear of the Narrows, the ship entered Bedford Basin where it turned, and headed back into the Narrows.

In addition to a stern ramp, some autocarriers are equipped with a side ramp, which is not used in Halifax.

Autocarriers' stern ramps are angled to starboard, which means they must dock starboard side to the pier. Morning Charlotte, after turning in the Basin, comes back into the Narrows and under the  A.Murray MacKay bridge to tie up at Pier 9C.

 

Built in 2007 by Imabari Zosen in Marugame, Japan, the 61,002 gt, 22,362 dwt ship can carry 6502 Car Equivalent Units. (But many fewer cars depending on how many large vehicles and other RoRo cargo it has.)

 

 *The exception for RoRo cargo is Atlantic Container Line. Their giant CoRo ships dock only at PSA Fairview Cove.There they unload and load all types of RoRo cargo, including cars, machinery and recently a railroad locomotive. Right now they are busy bringing in Recreational Vehicles for European visitors (some of whom also book passage on the ship). ACL also has a brisk business in exporting used cars and some trucks.

Although built in North America, this locomotive arrived from England where it was used as a demonstrator. It arrived back in Halifax March 21 on the Atlantic Star.

 

 

This expedition type RV from Germany cleared Customs and was ready to roll this morning. Dozens more RVs have already arrived and more are awaiting pick up.

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