TUGS
Jones Marine Group celebrates newest addition to fleet
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greatly adds to the capabilities of the mid-Vancouver Island. “It’s a huge benefit for us,” said Kim Christensen, General Manager of Operations for ACGI Shipping Inc. “The increased efficiencies and greater scheduling opportunities mean less loss of ship and labour stand-by time and provides us with many more options for ships coming to Vancouver Island.” Captain Edward Dahlgren, Nanaimo’s Harbourmaster, said that “Nanaimo Port Authority is excited for the Jones Marine Group and congratulates them on the addition to their fleet which enhances berthing opportunities for the Island.” Captain Dahlgren also commented on the Port’s proposed berth expansion and how the commitment of the Jones Marine Group to enhance their fleet demonstrates great faith in the growing ship activity on the Island. In giving a speech following the launch, Daryl acknowledged the great support of family, customers and employees and credited his father with teaching him to never take that support for granted. “I am very proud of our employees and am now seeing a new younger generation coming along. As I prepare for retirement I want to ensure the company has a solid foundation from which to move forward.”
Photo credit: BC Shipping News
he David J — the newest tug to join the growing fleet of Jones Marine Group — was launched with great fanfare at Sylte Shipyard in Maple Ridge on July 28. Owner Daryl Jones was joined by family, friends and the local shipping community to celebrate the launch of the vessel which will be put into service as the first tractor tug for the mid-Vancouver Island area. Named to honour the memory of Daryl’s father, the David J was blessed by Bob Wilson, Operations Manager for Jones Marine (and a minister in “another life”), and christened by sponsors Darla Johnston and Nea Miles, granddaughters of David Jones. In addition to log towing in the Southern Strait of Georgia, delivering logs to mills in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus and Cowichan Bay, Jones Marine Group also provides ship berthing to the Port of Nanaimo, Chemainus, and Crofton. The addition of their ninth tug (not including two water taxis in the fleet),
SYLTE SHIPYARD LTD.
The industry was well represented with (left to right): Fred Denning (BC Coast Pilots Ltd.), Bonnie Gee (Chamber of Shipping of B.C.), Edward Dahlgren (Nanaimo Port Authority), and Kim Christensen (ACGI Shipping Inc.).
Photo credit: Dave Roels (www.daveroels.com)
Christening the David J: Daryl Jones, Bob Wilson and the vessel's sponsors, Darla Johnston and Nea Miles, granddaughters of the tug's namesake.
ERLING SYLTE 20076 WHARF STREET MAPLE RIDGE, B.C. V2X 1A1
PH. (604)465-5525 FAX: (604)465-3060 RES: (604)463-3851 EMAIL: sylte@telus.net
September 2016 BC Shipping News 43