Canada has awarded a contract to Dartmouth-based London Offshore Consultants, for the development of a risk assessment methodology related to hundreds of vessels of concern (abandoned, wrecked or dilapidated vessels) in Canadian waters or on Crown land.
The risk assessment methodology, expected to be delivered by this summer, will help the Canadian Coast Guard assess the level of risk these vessels pose to the environment, the economy and public safety.
The Public Services and Procurement Canada awarded the contract under the $1.5-billion Oceans Protection Plan, the largest ever investment by the Government of Canada to protect coasts and waterways. The contract, valued at $551,554.95 (taxes included), is expected to help improve the restoration and protection of marine ecosystems.
Our government is committed to ensuring that the women and men of the Canadian Coast Guard have the tools required to help protect Canada’s waters and shorelines. This contract award is an example of how the Oceans Protection Plan is protecting our marine environment and Canadians, while providing meaningful opportunities for businesses across Canada, including in Dartmouth,
…stated Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility.
This contract award further enhances the Canadian Coast Guard’s ability to assess the risks posed by wrecked or abandoned vessels in our waterways and to help prioritize our operations. This is another example of an investment under the Oceans Protection Plan that will help keep our waters cleaner, healthier and safer for generations to come,
…said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
The National Strategy to Address Abandoned and Wrecked vessels seeks to prevent the occurrence of new problem vessels and make progress in cleaning up existing problem vessels.
In October 2017, marking one-year anniversary of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada announced introduction of the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (Bill C-64) in Parliament.
Bill C-64, the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, will strengthen owner responsibility and liability and address irresponsible vessel management, including vessel abandonment. It also provides the federal government, including the Canadian Coast Guard, with clear authority to take necessary measures to address hazards posed by these problem vessels.
