New Freight Vessel to supply Mowi sites
A new freight vessel supplied by Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations (GNN) is helping Mowi Canada West streamline its marine freight operations.
Cyrus Singh, CEO at k’awat’si Economic Development Corporation (KEDC), a subsidiary of GNN, notes the Mars Rustler landing craft was originally built as a war vessel for the beaching of equipment and tanks. At 75 feet, the vessel holds a freight and transport capacity of 130,000 pounds and an eight ton crane for loading.
It made its first run in September, delivering freight to Doyle, Duncan and Bull Harbour.
“Having a dedicated freight vessel means that we spend a lot less time sourcing vessels and organizing freight deliveries,” says Port Hardy Area Production Manager Riley McFadyen. “We now have a set schedule and the sites know exactly when their freight will arrive and can plan accordingly.
“It also allows our area work boats to focus on projects and not get pulled off to assist with freight deliveries. This means that we can stay on schedule and focus on having the sites ready for smolt entries and treatments harvest.”
Singh observes, “It is symbolic that this vessel has been transformed into an economic engine that is being utilized to serve the interests of the GNN, a people who continue to fight for their economic self-determination.”
This vessel will complement and add to the fleet of transport vessels that currently service the North Island.
“Working with partners such as Mowi Canada West, k’awat’si Marine Services (KMS), a subsidiary of KEDC, continues to move forward with the goal of becoming a marine transport powerhouse,” Singh states. KMS is building on its current platform, expanding services to both industry and neighboring nations that require freight and cargo support.
“In the future, KMS hopes to acquire other vessels and get more members actively working in the territory, reaffirming GNN’s unbreakable connection to the land and sea.”