Fednav Ltée chooses Verreault Shipyard to drydock its bulk carrier MV Umiak I

Verreault Shipyard, an Ocean Group related corporation, is honored to welcome Fednav’s MV Umiak I to its regulatory dry dock in Les Méchins, Quebec. This vessel, specially designed for Vale Base Metals, has been in technical lay-up since April 12^th, marking a significant return of Fednav to a Canadian shipyard.

The MV Umiak I, a 31,992-ton ice-breaking bulk carrier, is transporting Vale Base Metals’ concentrate from Voisey’s Bay, Labrador to its processing facility in Long Harbour, Newfoundland.

The work to be carried out during this dry dock is mainly aimed at replacing the vessel’s steel structure. This is a challenging task as most of the work will be carried out in confined spaces. The safety measures put in place by the Health, Safety and Environment teams are rigorous. They will enable the 50 employees working on this project to work in a safe environment and deliver the vessel to its owner within four weeks. The versatility, competency, and synergy of Ocean Group’s teams are sure to make this Quebec-based company stand out in the industry.

Solid expertise at the service of shipowners

The acquisition of the Verreault Shipyard in Octo

ber 2022 consolidates Ocean Group’s expertise in naval construction and vessel repair. In addition to Les Méchins, Ocean Group will continue to operate its two other specialized sites in L’Isle-aux-Coudres and Quebec City, offering a strategic presence and recognized expertise to shipowners on the St. Lawrence River.

The choice of the Verreault Shipyard is proof of Ocean Group’s extensive expertise and will allow both companies to share their common commitment to quality and safety.

Daniel Arsenault, Executive Vice-President – Operations, Naval Construction and Repair, emphasizes the important role that Canadian shipyards play in preserving the environment and stimulating the local economy.

Fednav Ltée, a privately held company based in Montreal, is a major player in international dry bulk shipping, with a modern fleet and a commitment to innovation and sustainability.

This collaboration between Fednav, Ocean Group, and Vale Base Metals, and the choice of Quebec for the MV Umiak I dry dock, reflects the importance of shared values such as operational excellence, sustainable development, environmental protection, and support for local communities. In this way, the Canadian maritime industry is moving towards a more promising and responsible future.