Late delivery costs Halifax second order

The late delivery of a new cruise ship under construction for an American owner at the Irving-owned Halifax Shipyard in Canada has caused the cancellation of a summer sailing schedule and led to a decision not to have a second ship built in Halifax.

Charles Robertson, president of Pearl Seas Cruises of Guildford, Conn., said the new ship was originally scheduled to be delivered in late May but construction of the 214-passenger ship is behind schedule, and it will not likely be delivered until October. “I think the shipyard has had unexpected delays and things have taken longer than expected,” Robertson said. “I think probably manpower seems to be an issue. Alberta is competing for manpower with Halifax, so that may be part of it.”

The delay in construction of the vessel and the Canadian dollar?s strength has caused Pearl Seas to rethink where a second ship will be built. “The second ship, as of now, will not be built in Halifax, and we will announce the yard that will build the second ship in April,” Robertson said. Irving spokeswoman Mary Keith said that the company had informed Pearl Seas in writing in November that Irving Shipbuilding wouldn?t be building the second ship or doing any other work.

Keith said confidentiality provisions in the contract with Pearl Seas limited what she could say about the delay, but the company believes it?s in full compliance with its obligations under the contract. She also said Irving Shipbuilding hasn?t had any labour issues on this or any other project.

Pearl Seas had planned to make its home port in Halifax and had scheduled some sailings in Maritime waters in July and August and planned to cruise up the St. Lawrence in October. Its winter schedule will be in the Caribbean.

Pearl Seas began notifying passengers on Monday of the delay and has offered them refunds or rebooking on next year?s sailings. Mr. Robertson said about 85 % of those contacted to date were rebooking for next year.