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Marine Refueling Station Opening Next Year in Nanisivik

Wednesday, 5 September 2018 12:09

An aerial view of the town.

The depot will be opening next summer, aiding in refueling for Canadian vessels during operations in the north.

A marine refueling depot in Nanisivik, Nunavut  is set to open next summer, 12 years after the project was announced.

Nanisivik is located on the Northwest portion of Ellesmere Island, and the naval facility will host a marine refueling depot at the former defunct lead-zinc mine near Arctic Bay.

The 130-million dollar project idea was proposed by the Harper Government in 2007 to create a year-round northern naval centre in Canada, however the project was scaled back in 2012 due to project cuts by the Department of National Defense.

 The site will also be filled annually with marine distillate by the Canadian Coast Guard, and will be used by six new ice-capable Arctic offshore patrol vessels for refueling.

The vessels will start going into the water this fall.

Rodney Watson, project manager, says the prominent location by the Northwest Passage means refuelling ships aiding in Canadian naval operations won't be as necessary now.

Almiq Construction LTD, a Nunavut company, was awarded the $60 million dollar construction contract back  in 2014.

 

 

 

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