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Adapted from Wheelwash, December 29, 2008

Ship horns blared, a red fireboat shot fountains of water and cameras flashed, marking the delivery of Moose on November 27. This was the last of eight Navy training vessels built by Victoria Shipyards (VSL). The 33-meter Orca class vessels were built under government contract with the last one delivered exactly four years to the day since the contract was signed – 14 months ahead of schedule.

The new Orca vessels will give the Navy access to training vessels for officers and other ships’ crews sooner than expected. The modernized floating schools replace 50-year-old wooden hulled vessels which were expensive to operate and were not equipped with modern systems.

During his speech at the delivery ceremony, Malcolm Barker, VSL’s Vice President and General Manager, thanked all for a job well done. “Quality and timely delivery are key to successful contracts,” said Malcolm. “Victoria Shipyards delivered early on the Orcas thanks to operational efficiencies and processes and procedures.”

Photo: A red fireboat shoots fountains of water to celebrate the delivery of Moose, a 33-meter Orca class vessel. Photo by Chris Miller of VSL.