Swire Projects, a projects and heavy lift shipping services division of Swire Shipping, recently delivered project materials for a Canadian company’s mine expansion in the Arctic. The company deployed its ice-fitter multipurpose vessel, the 12,700 dwt Pacific Excellence featuring two 120-ton cranes for the job. 

Swire Projects said that loading commenced in St Lawrence Seaway (Valleyfield), with the route leading through the Labrador Sea and the Northwest Passage. Pacific Excellence arrived safely at Bathurst Inlet anchorage.

Swire Projojects secured the Polar Certification licence to operate in the Canadian Arctic, work permits to comply with Canadian Immigration Laws, and appointed a qualified Ice Pilot to navigate the voyage. On top of working with an incredibly tight timeframe, operational challenges are always a normal part of working in the Arctic.

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The company faced adverse weather conditions when delivering project materials, such as 35-knot winds, smoke interruption from the wildfires, swell and challenges with barge lightering operation.

The close collaboration with the client and vendors, coupled with a partnership mindset, played a pivotal role in overcoming challenges. The delivery of the essential mining project materials also marked the completion of Swire Projects’ first Arctic voyage. However, the company also believe it is capable of serving the region well into the future.

“Leveraging our extensive track record in project cargo and breakbulk shipments, complemented by a dedicated semi-liner service connecting Asia with the West Coast of North America (NOPAC service), we look forward to supporting the region with flexible, reliable and efficient transportation solutions,” the company said in its statement.