More tankers and MSC containers

 Imperial Oil brought in some more product from its source in Antwerp, this time on the Rita M a 28,054 gt, 45,997 dwt ship, built in 2009 by Shin Kurushima, Onishi.

 Originally named Torm Helsingor it was renamed Nord Star in 2013 and became Rita M in 2015. The ship arrived off Halifax August 24 but did not dock until August 26 because the berth was occupied by the coastal tanker Algoscotia, which arrived August 24 and sailed for Sydney, NS on the 26th.

Today (August 27) the tanker Ardmore Seavanguard arrived and anchored for a few hours in the lower harbour. It is carrying product from Rotterdam destined for Montreal, so I am assuming the ship was here for Canadian Food Inspection Agency clearance. Usually the inspection for inasive species, specifically LDA moth, can be done in about five hours.

The Ardmore Seavanguard was built by SPP Shipbuilding Co in Sacheon, South Korea in 2014. It is a 30,030 gt, 49,997 dwt vessel with epoxy lined tanks. It operates in the Ardmore MR Pool. Ships from that pool appear in Halifax about once every two years. Ardmore Shipping (NYSE listed) has 16 ships assigned to the pool.

With the sun breaking through early mist and drizzle, photo conditions were ideal late in the afternoon and early evening. 

MSC Sao Paulo V (that is a Roman numeral V) arrived in late afternoon, and was met by two tugs. Atlantic Bear made up astern as tethered escort and Atlantic Willow went on ahead.

 Once the ship was almost clear of the Narrows, and entering Bedford Basin, the crew sent down a heaving line for Atlantic Willow to attach to its winch line. The Willow then assisted in slowing and turning the ship for the Fairview Cove terminal.

 Atlantic Bear leans in for the turn, and the ship's exhaust gas scrubber housing (adjacent to the funnel) comes into view.

Another of MSC's older ships, MSC Sao Paulo was built in 1998 by Hyundai Ulsan as Pohang Senator. In 2008 it became CSAV Pyrenees and in 2013 became Pohang.  In 2013 it was renamed MSC Sao Paulo and earlier this year became MSC Sao Paulo V. Its tonnages come in at 53,324 gt, 63,537 dwt giving a capacity of 4688 TEU. The ship is sailing on MSC's Turkey/Greece and Mediterranean service, westbound, with its last port at Sines, Portugal.

Despite its age the ship is certified until at least 2027. By that time, as a thirty year old, I expect a host of newer ships will have displaced it in the roster and it will be on its way to the breakers. Meanwhile it can still earn its keep, along with a number of other "seniors" in the MSC fleet.

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