A step toward the permanent removal of the vessel Cormorant located in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia has been announced by the Government of Canada.
“This issue of abandoned and derelict vessels is a passion of mine, and the Cormorant vessel has been a personal priority for me both as a community member and a Member of Parliament for years,” said Bernadette Jordan, minister of fisheries, oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard.
“Our ports are not dumping grounds—they are hubs for community and industry,” added Jordan. “With the contract awarded, the safe and responsible removal of the Cormorant and the threat of pollution it poses is finally within our sight.”
Following a competitive bid process, a contract has been awarded to RJ MacIsaac Construction Ltd. of Antigonish, Nova Scotia for the safe dismantling and removal of the Cormorant from the Port of Bridgewater. RJ MacIsaac Construction Ltd. is a marine construction and demolition company that specializes in ship recycling and other marine contracting. The contract is valued at $1.817 million.
The Cormorant is currently in the care and control of the Canadian Coast Guard. The Coast Guard and RJ MacIsaac Construction Ltd. will begin to mobilize personnel and equipment as quickly as possible to begin the process of dismantling and removing the vessel.
Completion of the project depends on a number of factors such as the environment and possible hazards on the vessel. More information will be provided by the Government of Canada as the project progresses.
Under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act that came into effect in July 2019, the Government of Canada is taking action on vessels that pose a threat to the marine environment and communities.
