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Navy supply ship out of refit in Halifax - late and over budget
Murray Brewster
Canadian Press
Sunday, January 16, 2005
HALIFAX (CP) - The refit of Canada's only military supply ship on the East Coast has taken longer and will be more expensive than first thought, says the federal Defence Department.
HMCS Preserver went into a Halifax drydock almost a year ago for its first refurbishment in six years.
It was supposed to be ready in late November at a cost of $18 million.
Preserver is now expected to rejoin the navy Jan. 21 - two months behind schedule, said Defence Department spokesman Jeremy Sales, in an interview from Ottawa.
Sales said equipment inspections showed the 34-year-old vessel needed more work than originally expected.
In addition, the ship's regular five-year refit cycle was delayed a year due to the navy's involvement in the U.S.-led war on terrorism.
"So it was six years between refits, and there's a number of things that had to be done," said Sales.
One of the developments during the refit was the discovery of asbestos in a large turbine on the aging steam ship.
Four workers were dismantling the turbine near the engine room Feb. 12, 2004, when they found 10 bolts securing the machinery were wrapped with twine-like cords of asbestos.
The once-popular fire insulator has been linked to a variety of health problems, especially if it is disturbed or cut.
Special health and safety procedures were introduced to handle the asbestos, and none of the workers reported any ill effects.
Sales couldn't say how much more expensive the refit will end up being.
"Based on traditional refits, rising costs could represent 30 to 35 per cent of the value of a contract and that is the case here," he said.
The final tally won't be available until Preserver is returned to the navy.
The refurbishment was ordered even though the federal government has promised to replace Preserver and its sister ship based on the West Coast.
The plan was mentioned in the last federal budget, but has yet to move forward.
© The Canadian Press 2005
Navy supply ship out of refit in Halifax - late and over budget
Murray Brewster
Canadian Press
Sunday, January 16, 2005
HALIFAX (CP) - The refit of Canada's only military supply ship on the East Coast has taken longer and will be more expensive than first thought, says the federal Defence Department.
HMCS Preserver went into a Halifax drydock almost a year ago for its first refurbishment in six years.
It was supposed to be ready in late November at a cost of $18 million.
Preserver is now expected to rejoin the navy Jan. 21 - two months behind schedule, said Defence Department spokesman Jeremy Sales, in an interview from Ottawa.
Sales said equipment inspections showed the 34-year-old vessel needed more work than originally expected.
In addition, the ship's regular five-year refit cycle was delayed a year due to the navy's involvement in the U.S.-led war on terrorism.
"So it was six years between refits, and there's a number of things that had to be done," said Sales.
One of the developments during the refit was the discovery of asbestos in a large turbine on the aging steam ship.
Four workers were dismantling the turbine near the engine room Feb. 12, 2004, when they found 10 bolts securing the machinery were wrapped with twine-like cords of asbestos.
The once-popular fire insulator has been linked to a variety of health problems, especially if it is disturbed or cut.
Special health and safety procedures were introduced to handle the asbestos, and none of the workers reported any ill effects.
Sales couldn't say how much more expensive the refit will end up being.
"Based on traditional refits, rising costs could represent 30 to 35 per cent of the value of a contract and that is the case here," he said.
The final tally won't be available until Preserver is returned to the navy.
The refurbishment was ordered even though the federal government has promised to replace Preserver and its sister ship based on the West Coast.
The plan was mentioned in the last federal budget, but has yet to move forward.
© The Canadian Press 2005
