The following is the text of a news release from Seaspan Shipyards:
(NORTH VANCOUVER, British Columbia) (Oct. 6) — Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards announced today it has completed volunteer repair work on the steam towboat Master (SS Master) as part of its $50,000 donation to the SS Master Society.
The historic tug, built in 1922 and the last remaining example of a once formidable fleet of wooden-hulled, steam-powered towboats on the West Coast, underwent underwater maintenance work that included docking, pressure washing, painting and other general repairs.
“We are pleased to support a key community partner and help to maintain a storied vessel that has such deep-rooted ties to the waters and rich history of B.C.’s marine industry,” said Tony Matergio, vice president and general manager, Vancouver Shipyards. “Our commitment to the SS Master Society demonstrates Seaspan’s latest investment in helping strengthen our maritime history and culture.”
“The docking of the SS Master at Seaspan for new bottom paint and inspection represents a significant step for the SS Master Society’s goal of preserving this iconic heritage towboat,” said David Bradford, president, SS Master Society. “The society is immensely grateful to Seaspan for providing this critical service, and beyond that, we have found cordiality and professionalism at every turn that speaks to the fact that Seaspan is truly building not only ships but a legacy of excellence.”
Seaspan completed the SS Master’s repair work at its new state-of-the-art, $185 million facility in North Vancouver, the result of a two-year shipyard modernization project slated for completion later this fall.
