Part 1: Windpower component shipments have boosted breakbulk totals for Canadian ports

Part 2: Positive Outlook on St. Lawrence Seaway

Part 3: Valleyfield’s Arctic Cargo Horizons

Part 4: Amherst Island wind energy project

Amherst Island wind energy project

Among recent major wind farm undertakings in Canada, one worth highlighting involved Ontario-based tug and barge operator McKeil Marine in the $272 million Amherst Island wind energy project that was completed and reached an operational stage last summer. The project was established in response to the Government of Ontario’s commitment to developing renewable electricity. A total of 26 wind turbines were installed on Amherst Island, located six miles west of Kingston on Lake Ontario.

“All materials, supplies and workers were transported from an assembled dock near Millhaven ON,” noted Jayson Stansfield, Manager Commercial. “McKeil was contracted to supply a complement of tugs, barges and workboats. McKeil’s clients, Algonquin Power and Pennecon Limited, felt the firm was right after seeing our vessels in action on the Pave-Al project at Billy Bishop Airport on Toronto Island.”

However, this was one of those projects that sparked considerable controversy during a decade-long battle that saw 350 of the island’s 420 residents oppose it. Nevertheless, 17 landowners are today “hosting” the 26 turbines.