A Labrador-based company’s fuel tanker sustained damage while unloading diesel at a mine in Nunavut, but the company assures that it will not disrupt the delivery of essential fuels to Canada’s Arctic during the upcoming winter season. Peter Woodward, the CEO of the Woodward Group of Companies, confirmed that all contracted deliveries will be fulfilled despite the incident.
The 129-meter Kivalliq W., owned by Coastal Shipping Limited, a Woodward Group affiliate, experienced a mechanical issue during the unloading process. Fortunately, there were no injuries or spills of hydrocarbons. The vessel, currently docked at Baker Lake, a community with approximately 2,000 residents, is still offloading fuel without interruption.
Damage to one of the fuel tanks requires the vessel to undergo repairs in drydock. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the mechanical failure and assess the extent of the damage. Coastal Shipping has arranged for a replacement vessel to transport three fuel shipments from Lewisporte to Arctic ports to maintain fuel supply to communities and industrial sites.
Woodward emphasized the company’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations, highlighting their track record of safety in Arctic fuel deliveries over 26 years. He expressed regret over the incident but emphasized the absence of injuries or environmental harm. The replacement vessel will be operational in the coming days to ensure continued fuel deliveries in the region.