Miramichi port gets first winter ship in decade

Miramichi port gets first winter ship in decade

CBC News Posted: Jan 26, 2012 1:48 PM AT Last Updated: Jan 26, 2012

A Shediac Cape company that operates three oil tankers says there is potential to create jobs in Miramichi by having a year-round port.

Rigel Shipping Canada made a winter delivery of oil, diesel and gas to Miramichi for the first time in more than 10 years this week.

The Dara Desgagnes was the first ship call into Miramichi for 2012, and the first to deliver cargo in winter ice conditions in over 10 years, according to the company.

Ritchie wants the federal government to start dredging the Miramichi River again so it can become a year-round port.

Right now petroleum products usually arrive by rail in the winter.

“If we were to replace the train with a marine service I feel the cost of the delivery would be cheaper and it would employ at least 30 people on a year-round basis on the ship plus the ground support and infrastructure in Miramichi with linesmen and people who work the dock and so on,” said Brian Ritchie, the company’s president. "We're talking probably 37 jobs."

He said Miramichi is the hub for distribution in all of northern New Brunswick.

Ritchie said people stopped along the highway to watch the tanker make its way up the river.

“It was exciting. I was pleased to be there myself and you can see traffic stopping along the highway and watching the ship manoeuvre itself into the dock,” he said.