Nova Scotia-based Atlantic Towing has secured a contract to provide tug and barge services to the Cape Sharp Tidal project in Canada.
Cape Sharp Tidal, a joint venture between Emera and OpenHydro, plans to deploy two 2 MW tidal turbines in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia.
According to Emera, the agreement details specialized marine services including harbour and terminal towage, ocean and coastal towage, barging services, offshore support such as anchor installation and more.
These services, as scheduled, will employ up to 28 seafarers currently working for Atlantic Towing.
Chris Huskilson , President and CEO of Emera, said: “Local economic opportunities like the Atlantic Towing contract reflect our vision to build a local tidal industry, strengthen our communities and keep jobs in our province. Teaming up with local companies that have the expertise to safely get the job done is key to our success.”
Three Atlantic Towing’s tugs will be used, and an additional barge.
In addition to anchor and cable installation, the tugs will transport both 1,000 tonne turbines on their journey from Pictou to the Minas Passage on a purpose-built OpenHydro barge, The Scotia Tide.
Once in position, the tugs will maneuver the barge and turbine while crews lower the turbine to the seabed and connect the cables to the Nova Scotia power grid, Emera’s press release reads.
The multi-phase project is expected to start in the coming months.
Atlantic Towing is a member of the transportation and logistics division of J.D. Irving Ltd, which provides a range of road, rail, marine and logistics services to the global market.
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