Province Negotiating With Builder for Bluenose II Restoration

The province has short-listed a consortium of Nova Scotia shipbuilders for construction work to restore the schooner Bluenose II.

The Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance was the successful respondent to a request for interest issued in December. The consortium includes Covey Island Boatworks and Lunenburg Industrial Foundry and Engineering of Lunenburg and Snyder's Shipyard Limited of Daysprings, Lunenburg Co.

"This is another crucial step in securing the future of Bluenose II," said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Percy Paris. "The Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance brings together the experience and know how of three world-class Nova Scotia companies, and ensures the investment to preserve this icon flow to the provincial economy."

The province will issue a request for proposals shortly that will be the basis a contract with the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance. Restoration work is expected to begin later this year.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved with preserving a critical link to Nova Scotia's seafaring heritage," said John Steele, president of Covey Island Boatworks. "We're looking forward to working with the province to ensure Bluenose II continues to play its role in representing Nova Scotia for many years to come."

Covey Island Boatworks has built custom sailing vessels since 1979. Lunenburg Industrial Foundry and Engineering operates from its shipyard on the Lunenburg waterfront and is a leader in providing ship building and repair services. Snyder's Shipyard Limited was involved in the restoration of the schooner Theresa E. Connor, part of the collection at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

The restoration of Bluenose II is being jointly funded by the province and the federal government, through its infrastructure stimulus program. The project must be completed by March 31, 2011 under terms of the federal funding program.