MV Asterix returns to port

MV Asterix, the replenishment vessel currently leased to the Royal Canadian Navy by Federal Fleet, returned to port on Wednesday evening, and I had enough warning that I was able to get out onto the Macdonald Bridge to get some photos. Asterix is the RCN's interim replenishment vessel, converted by the Davie Shipyard from the hull of a commercial tanker and with a custom-designed aft superstructure that was built in Scandinavia and shipped over to be joined to the hull. It is a nifty solution to provide the RCN with a capability that they would otherwise have to wait several more years to regain, with construction of the two new purpose-built replenishment vessels still underway on the west coast. 

MV Asterix arriving in the background with Scotia Pilot in the foreground.

As Asterix headed up the harbour, she was joined by two tugs, and the setting sun broke free from some cloud and illuminated the ship most splendidly. Asterix had been at sea for several days providing a training opportunity to HMCS FREDERICTON.

This is the sort of light that photographers spend all their time chasing, so I was especially fortunate that it came our just as I needed it that evening.