On September 29th 2005, Port Weller Drydocks announced that it has entered into an alliance with the Netherlands shipyard Peters Kampen to construct two hulls and two "Jumbo 6500" (6,500 grt) multipurpose short-sea shipping vessels with an option for four more. The Ships are a popular design in Europe for short sea shipping.
Carisbrooke Shipping of the UK, ordered the vessels from Peter Kampen, to add to their fleet of 36 vessels. The owner are especially enthused with the "higher ice class, economics in fuel, simple holds, easy maintenance". Building will start in the spring of 2006 with the first ship ready for delivery in September. The deal, which is worth up to $100 million and keep 250 workers busy for 1.5 years, is credited to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and their effort in getting all three parties together. Read more.
I think its great to see a Canadian yard getting involved in short sea shipping, and just plain nice to see a commercial ship being built in Canadian yards. Congrats to all involved