The Canadian government has awarded a contract to London Offshore Consultants (LOC) for the development of a risk assessment methodology related to hundreds of abandoned, wrecked or dilapidated vessels in Canadian waters or on Crown land.
As explained, the risk assessment methodology, expected to be delivered by this summer, will help the Canadian Coast Guard assess the level of risk these vessels pose to the environment, the economy and public safety.
This contract, valued at CAD 551,554.95 (USD 416,252) would help improve the restoration and protection of marine ecosystems. It is part of the country’s CAD 1.5-billion Oceans Protection Plan.
The National Strategy to Address Abandoned and Wrecked vessels seeks to prevent the occurrence of new problem vessels and make progress in cleaning up existing problem vessels.
Bill C-64, the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, aims to strengthen owner responsibility and liability and address irresponsible vessel management, including vessel abandonment. It also provides the federal government, including the Canadian Coast Guard, with clear authority to take necessary measures to address hazards posed by these problem vessels.
