CAMPBELL RIVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Jan. 10, 2014) - Port Metro Vancouver today previewed two new harbour patrol vessels currently under construction by Campbell River's Daigle Welding & Marine. The company was selected through an open-bidding process to design and construct the new patrol vessels, which are required to support the continual growth at Port Metro Vancouver due to increased trade through the Asia-Pacific Gateway. The purpose of the vessels is to provide continuous marine surveillance with early incident detection and activity tracking.
The addition of these vessels will ensure the continued safe transport of cargo through Port Metro Vancouver's jurisdiction by providing enhanced incident-response times, which would prevent or minimize any potential impact to our communities or the environment.
Peter Xotta, Port Metro Vancouver's Vice President of Planning & Operations, spoke about the announcement saying, "This is an exciting day for Campbell River. I grew up here and it's great to see a local company building these vessels for Port Metro Vancouver."
Under construction in Campbell River, the new vessels will also utilize parts from a number of local suppliers including North Vancouver's Jastram Engineering Ltd. and Osborne Propellers. Jastram Engineering Ltd. will be providing the complete steering gear and control system which utilizes the latest Digital Control Amplifier (DCA 100) and Digital Helm unit (DH 36) technology, providing the new vessels with precise power steering control that will automatically switch over to manual hydraulic control in the event of a failure, allowing for convenience, safety and reliability. Osborne Propellers will be providing semi-custom designed propellers specifically modified for heavier leading and trailing edges, which provide longer service life and less damage from impacts with floating debris which are known in the waters around Vancouver.
Further, the new vessels will help Port Metro Vancouver to continue the high level of service our customers demand. "Our customers are just as excited about these vessels as we are. The new vessels will allow us to quickly respond to the needs of our customers," said Xotta.
In keeping with Port Metro Vancouver's Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, the new vessels will be powered by engines with an advanced combustion system (including the ability to run bio-diesel) to minimize particulate and greenhouse gas emissions.
The new vessels are expected to enter service in May of this year.
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