The ferry Atlantic Vision, a Marine Atlantic passenger ship operating between Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador, and North Sydney, Nova Scotia, was recently at the Ocean Group shipyard in Les Méchins.

It entered the shipyard last March for a regulatory dry dock that lasted about a month. This dry dock was a crucial step in the maintenance and repair of this imposing ship with eleven (11) deck measuring nearly 200 metres long and 25 metres wide, which can carry up to 1,200 passengers and 350 vehicles. This is one of the largest ships to have entered the shipyard’s facilities for various work. The recent work carried out by Ocean Group’s teams ensures that the Atlantic Vision is in perfect condition for safe navigation.

The work carried out during this dry dock included extensive sandblasting and painting, a complete overhaul of the hull valves and various essential mechanical work on the bow thrusters. Importantly, many metres of piping were also restored or completely replaced, measurements were taken and oils were changed. In addition, a brand new system for treating ballast water was installed, enabling the ferry to meet the new compliance standards currently in force.

This work was carried out by a team of 160 experienced workers who, with their great expertise, made it possible for the ship to leave the dock two days ahead of schedule!

The dry dock at Les Méchins shipyard acquired by Ocean Group last year is an imposing concrete structure 244 metres long by 56 metres wide. These dimensions make it one of the largest dry docks in Canada, allowing Ocean Group to position itself favourably for the awarding of shipbuilding and repair contracts, particularly those related to the national shipbuilding strategy in Canada.

 Photo by Mario Parent)