BURLINGTON, ON – JUNE 7, 2019 – Marine Services provider McKeil Marine Limited has purchased the Gagliarda, a class RI, general cargo ship. With this latest addition to its diversified fleet of tugs, barges, workboats and vessels, including bulkers, cement carriers, and tankers, McKeil is uniquely positioned for accelerated growth.
The Maltese-flagged Gagliarda, built in 2010, measures 140 metres by 21 metres, with a DWT of 14,600 metric tonnes. A close sister ship to McKeil-owned vessels the Evans Spirit and McKeil Spirit, the Gagliarda loaded a cargo of road salt in Egypt destined for Picton, Ontario and Monroe, Michigan. Upon completion of discharge of her cargo, she entered Canada last month and began her Canadianization process. Today, we celebrate her official renaming as the M.V. BLAIR MCKEIL, a special tribute to industry icon Blair McKeil.
As the second-generation owner of the 60-year old family business, Blair McKeil served as President (1992-2010) and CEO (2002-2016) of McKeil Marine until selling a majority interest of the company to TorQuest Partners in 2016. Blair now serves as Vice Chair. Under Blair’s leadership, McKeil Marine evolved from an owner-operated tug-and-barge company into one of Canada’s leading marine services organizations specializing in marine transportation and delivering complex marine project solutions. Blair’s charisma and relentless drive were instrumental in developing new enterprises and opportunities for the organization. An important part of Blair’s legacy is his profound commitment to giving back to the communities where McKeil Marine operates and to creating a culture of sharing and caring among McKeil’s sailing and shore-based crew.
“The Gagliarda pays homage to the legacy of McKeil Marine by taking on the name BLAIR MCKEIL, honouring the industry leader who successfully grew the business his father (Evans) established in 1956. We salute our past and with this newest vessel, along with the entire McKeil fleet and crew, embrace our future”, emphasizes Captain Scott Bravener, President of McKeil Marine Limited.
The BLAIR MCKEIL (Gagliarda) will trade throughout the Great Lakes, carrying a variety of cargo including cement, quartz, coke, salt and gypsum.
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE
About McKeil Marine
McKeil has a history of over 60 years in Canada’s maritime industry, providing transportation and project services for a wide range of customers and industry sectors. Industry analysts consider the business to be an exemplary Canadian success story that has remained true to the vision of its founder, Evans McKeil: Continuously demonstrating a commitment to its people, its customers and the communities in which it operates.
For more information, contact:
Patrick Bourke, CFO & Commercial Lead
905-528-4141 x 220, pbourke@mckeil.com
;
