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Dock damaged by freighter

thetimesherald.com

Dock damaged by freighter

BY JACK POIRIER • SPECIAL TO THE TIMES HERALD • JUNE 20, 2008

A massive refueling dock on the St. Clair River has been shut down after a freighter crashed into the structure Friday morning. 
It marks the second time in two years that a ship has crashed into the Shell refueling station north of Corunna.

Shell officials say the 730-foot CSL Spruceglen hit the north end of the dock while coming in to refuel about 9 a.m.

The Spruceglen is a bulk carrier owned by Canada Steamship Lines.

“We are investigating the extent of the damage,” Shell spokeswoman Kristina Zimmer said.

Officials from the Ontario Porvencial Police, the Ministry of Environment and Transport Canada were on the scene investigating.

Federal officials with Transport Canada are leading the investigation. 

Nothing leaked as a result of the collision, and no injuries were reported. 

Zimmer said an outside agency may be called in to help the company with its investigation. 

The Lambton OPP reported damage could be as high as $2 million, but Zimmer said it is too early in the investigation for a damage

estimate. 

“It doesn’t take long to get up to $2 million,” she noted. 

Damage was visible at the north end of the dock, with a large 6-inch crack encircling one of the large concrete supports.

Portions of the steel dock that appeared to be twisted. 
Zimmer said officials will consider what can be done to prevent further incidents.

“We’re just as surprised as anyone that this has happened for a second time,” she said. 

A 200-foot section of the north dock sustained significant damage in November 2006 when the 768-foot bulk freighter John G. Munson,

owned by Key Lakes Inc., lost control while pulling into the station.

The 54-year-old ship plowed into the dock’s north end, nearly shearing off a large section. 

Stretching 3,000 feet and comprised of three parts, the dock is considered the largest on the Great Lakes. 

Two portions of the dock are for loading and the third is used to refuel Great Lakes ships.

There is no timetable for when the dock will reopen.

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