Corrosion around lifeboats reduces capacity on Labrador coast ferry
The MV Northern Ranger is operating at reduced capacity along the coast of Labrador because it has fewer lifeboats than usual.
The ship usually has inflatable life rafts plus two uncovered lifeboats and two covered lifeboats. The uncovered ones, and their launching equipment, are original to the Ranger — and corroded.
"It's not unusual for things on a ship to corrode over a lifespan of 30 years," Peter Adams, president of Nunatsiavut Marine, told The Labrador Morning Show on Tuesday.
Adams said the problem is corrosion in the davits and sheaves of the uncovered boats' lowering apparatus. Davits are the cranes that lower lifeboats to the ocean. Wires attached to those cranes run through sheaves, or grooved wheels, to ensure the lifeboats don't go off track.
"We aren't authorized to inspect these things ourselves," he said.
"Transport Canada and the regulatory authorities want the manufacturer's representatives to come in and do these inspections as part of our annual regime and, unfortunately, when the manufacturer's rep did the inspections back in May these issues weren't discovered."
Problems for passengers
The ferry has been operating at a less-than-full capacity since July 11.
"It's certainly disappointing," Adams said.
"We certainly realize that it's frustrating for our customers but we are doing everything we can to get back into service and minimize the impact on our people."
Summer is peak season for the MV Northern Ranger. With all its lifeboats, the ferry and freight ship can take 131 passengers. That number has now been reduced to 83.
"[It's] a rare occasion that we have 131 people but certainly we usually carry more than 83 at this time of the year and so it is having some impacts between certain communities," Adams said.
He said Nunatsiavut Marine is working on plans to resolve "bottlenecks" that could be created by upcoming seasonal events like the Rigolet Salmon Festival.
In order to be closer to life rafts, passengers are being moved to the ship's forward cargo deck. That move means the MV Ranger can fit less freight. However, Adams said leftover cargo is being moved on the MV Astron, the company's other freight boat.
What's next
Replacements for corroded components are being manufactured in France.
"[Sheaves] need to be manufactured because they don't just keep them on the shelves," Adams said.
"Hopefully, within the next few weeks we'll have the issue solved."
To prevent a similar occurrence from happening again, Adams said Nunatsiavut Marine is considering a $40,000 fix.
"We're looking to replace all the sheaves on the vessels now... a full set of 60 sheaves."
"It's equipment that belongs to the ship and it's equipment that failed as a result of age so those costs would be dealt with between ourselves and the province under the terms of our contract."
