More work on the way for Bluenose II .
A draft report came out last week saying the vessel was good to go.
However, when the full engineering review was released this morning it indicated the steel rudder should be replaced.
Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan says the weight of the rudder could shorten the life span of the boat.
“Given the history with this steel rudder, [and] with this hydraulic steering system,” he says, ” the recommendation is that we look to a lighter option and that’s really what changed.”
MacLellan says the ongoing issues with Bluenose II are a legacy left to them by the government of the day.
“We have to separate the mismanagement going back eight years,” he says “and really just focus on the positives of the Bluenose for Nova Scotians. We’ll certainly have to take responsibility for how this was mismanaged from day one”
He says the replacement of this rudder is just the latest in a long line of things that should have been dealt with long ago.
“We pushed ahead as a government—as a province— in 2010/2011, with this steel rudder knowing that there was a number of different opinions out there.”
MacLellan says replacing the rudder won’t effect the 2016 sailing season with work expected to take place sometime this fall.
He says designs for a new one made from wood or fiberglass with carbon stock are underway.
Meanwhile, the PC’s transportation critic says a wooden rudder was suggested for Bluenose II.
However, the government of the time chose to go with steel.
Chris d’Entremont says both the NDP and Liberals are at fault for where the vessel is today.
“The decision, of course, for the rudder was the NDP’s problem and it was, I think, made worse by decisions that the Liberal government made. So, I think they both get to own a little bit of this one.”
A new rudder will cost up to $1.2 million, bringing the total for Bluenose II close to its $25-million budget.
