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New Generation of
fishing vessels unveiled
Traditional Newfoundland boat building skills and
the latest in computer-aided design technology have been merged to
create what is being described as a “new generation of fishing vessels
for Newfoundlanders.”
The MFA Atlantic Commander made its maiden voyage
from Trinity to St. John’s this week, where it went on public display at
the waterfront to coincide with Marine Show ’90 at St. John’s Memorial
Stadium.
Arthur Peterson, Chief engineer of Poseidon Marine
Consultants Ltd. Of St. John’s and Wilson Vokey of Trinity shipbuilders
in Trinity officially unveiled the vessel at a news conference on board
the Atlantic Commander Thursday.
Mr. Peterson said the Atlantic Commander is an
example of the first undertaking to design and build a steel vessel
specifically for the Newfoundland fishery.
“This vessel is an evolutionary milestone in the
ship building industry of Newfoundland and Labrador,” he said. “It’s
also the result of the efforts of a great many people over a two year
period and shows that the technology and skills are available right here
in Newfoundland to produce a world class product.”
Poseidon was first formed in 1987 and displayed the
concept for the “intimidator” series of fishing vessels at Marine Show
’88 in St. John’s. The concept interested Wayne Morgan of Port de Grave
who approached Poseidon Consultants to make the vessel a reality. Today,
Mr. Morgan is the captain of Atlantic Commander and was on hand Thursday
to receive a portrait of the vessel from Beaton Tulk who represented the
Social Services Minister John Efford, the MHA for Port de Grave.
The Atlantic Commander has returned to Trinity for
final outfitting in preparation for her first trip to the fishing
grounds.
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