Federal-Biscay Vessel Reviews and Specifications

The bulk carrier "Federal Biscay" has been successfully freed from an icy entrapment near Snell Lock in Massena, New York, after being stranded since January 2. Following an intensive 24-hour operation involving the use of pressurized steam, the vessel was able to break free on January 6. Since its immobilization, a series of tugboats had worked tirelessly, attempting to dislodge the "Federal Biscay" with over seven hours of effort initially, which extended throughout the week. Seaway authorities employed pressurized steam to melt the ice surrounding the ship, bringing in additional tugs to strengthen their efforts during a freezing temperature drop that saw wind chills plummet to 45 degrees below zero. Successfully maneuvering out of the lock in the afternoon with tug assistance, the "Federal Biscay" has now been safely docked along the upper approach wall of the lock. The operation was a monumental collaboration that endured severe weather conditions, involving hard-working crews from the SLSDC, technical specialists from the Canadian St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), the vessel's operator Fednav, Ltd., and various contractors. The bulk carrier was en route from Port Weller, Ontario, to Montreal when it became trapped by significant ice accumulation both on the lock wall and the hull of the vessel. As a result, four other ships—"Mitiq" and "Beatrix" from the Netherlands, along with the bulk carrier "Pacific Huron" and the Panama-flagged container ship "Billesborg"—were placed on hold in the Seaway system until the "Federal Biscay" could be freed, allowing shipping operations to resume. These vessels now await transit downbound through the U.S. Seaway locks toward Montreal, with the season's closure initially scheduled for December 31. Seaway officials have announced they will provide further updates once all five vessels have successfully passed through the U.S. locks and exited this section of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

On January 2, 2018, the bulk carrier 'Federal Biscay' became trapped in the Snell Lock of the St. Lawrence Seaway, immobilized by thick ice. Despite the combined efforts of two tugs, 'Ocean A. Simard' and 'Robinson', the vessel could not be freed. The tugs engaged in a prolonged rescue attempt but the 'Federal Biscay' remained firmly lodged within the lock. As of January 3, the tugs were positioned outside the lock following their unsuccessful efforts. The bulk carrier was on its way from Port Weller to Montreal, transporting a cargo of soybeans when it encountered trouble. This incident not only affected the 'Federal Biscay' but also obstructed four other freighters, including the 'Pacific Huron', which is currently anchored at the Iroquois Dam in Lisbon after running aground near Clayton. For a closer look at this developing situation, including photos, visit [North Country Public Radio](https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/35383/20180105/a-cork-in-a-bottle-seaway-ship-remains-lodged-in-ice-in-massena-locks), [WWNY TV](http://www.wwnytv.com/story/37181174/tugs-work-to-free-ship-stuck-in-locks), and [MPCourier](http://www.mpcourier.com/dco/ship-gets-stuck-in-ice-near-snell-lock-in-massena-20180103).

In a significant move to bolster its shipping capabilities, Canadian maritime company Fednav has placed an order for four additional dry bulk carriers from the esteemed Oshima Shipbuilding in Japan. These new vessels are expected to join Fednav's fleet by 2018, according to insights from Clarksons Platou. While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, this expands Fednav's investment in modern shipping solutions. Notably, in October 2015, Fednav welcomed the 34,500 dwt laker Federal Biscay from Oshima, making it the first among a series of twelve new vessels destined for the Great Lakes to feature an advanced ballast water treatment system. This commitment to environmental sustainability illustrates Fednav's dedication to innovative maritime practices.