McKeil Marine was contracted by Heddle Marine Services working in conjunction with International Marine Salvage Inc. to move two Oberon Class submarines 1,300 nm from Halifax, NS to Port Maitland, ON where they would be dismantled and disposed. Due to the unknown condition of the submarines, towing them under their own hull was not a viable option due to unforseen risks. Our customers wanted the submarines dry towed using either a submersible barge or a dry dock. McKeil Marine approached Heddle Marine Services and together devised a plan to tow these submarines one of their smaller dry docks.
Once in Hamilton, the submarines were transferred to a deck barge for the voyage from Hamilton to Port Maitland where Canada’s premier ship breaking company, International Marine Salvage Inc. was going to complete the project by scrapping the decommissioned submarines.
Customer: International Marine Salvage Inc.
Location: Halifax, NS to Hamilton, ON to Port Maitland, ON
Date: 2012
The Challenge: Transporting decommissioned submarines more than 1,300 nm for scrapping. Submarines could not be transported under their own hull.
Our Solution: Towing submarines using dry dock capabilities to ensure safe and timely delivery to final destination.
Gear: Florence M, Lac Manitoba, Heddle Marine Services dry dock
Services: Consultation & Planning, Transportation, Project Cargo, Salvage