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Bay of Fundy's Sunken Secrets: Railcars Eyed for Removal
19 Mar
Summary
- Four cement-filled railcars, weighing 300 tonnes each, need removal from the seabed.
- Occurrent Power's bankruptcy led to the province taking over the cleanup.
- Removal is expected by early summer, depending on tides and contractor schedules.
Four massive, 300-tonne cement-filled railcars, once used as moorings for a failed tidal turbine, are slated for removal from the Bay of Fundy's seabed. These railcars were abandoned by Occurrent Power after the company went bankrupt last year. Transport Canada had previously identified them as a navigational hazard.
The province is now managing the cleanup in partnership with the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE). FORCE has issued a request for proposals, with bids due within one month. The complex removal process, which includes clearing surrounding debris, is expected to be completed by early summer.
Successful execution of the removal will depend on favorable tidal conditions and contractor scheduling. The site's strong tidal currents and challenging working environment necessitate detailed engineering plans, certified marine equipment, robust safety protocols, and strict environmental compliance from the chosen contractor. FORCE will provide oversight to ensure all standards are met.
This effort represents another attempt to harness the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, particularly the Minas Basin, an endeavor that has seen significant financial investment and limited commercial success over the past decade.
