McKeil supports Petit de Grat, NS Shark Derby

August 18, 2015, 7:13 am

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The 5^th annual Petit de Grat Shark Derby was held on August 7 with McKeil Marine proudly supporting for the third consecutive year. The derby
is in partnership with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Université Sainte-Anne’s Marine Research Centre located in Petit de Grat. The derby is a
unique combination of marine research and education and public awareness. Funds raised from the event are directed to Université Sainte-Anne’s Marine Research Centre and are used to support the youth Marine Biology Summer Camp program. More than 100 fishermen participated, while hundreds of spectators lined the wharf waiting for a glimpse of the sharks being landed. The largest this year was 7’ 11" and weighed 51kg; while the largest shark date remains 8’ 11", caught in 2013.

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Petit de Grat Shark Derby

Nova Scotia

McKeil Marine

sponsor

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McKeil supports Mariners House of Montreal fundraiser

September 14, 2015, 1:39 pm

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McKeil proudly supported Mariners’ House of Montreal at the 5^th Festa Italiana Luncheon. Mariners’ House is a home away from home for seafarers, seeing 13,000 visits annually. Shuttles provide transportation from the port to the centre, where seafarers can place local and overseas calls, use internet terminals, send money home to their families, exchange foreign currency, mail letters and pick up tourist information. Seafarers can also choose from a variety of recreational activities including television, pool, table tennis, air hockey and Karaoke. Books, magazines and a movie library are at their disposal. The ‘Sea Chest’ store sells refreshments, candy, toiletries and souvenirs. 500 tickets were sold and $63,000 raised for the good work of Mariners House.

McKeil to exhibit at Breakbulk Americas in Houston

September 17, 2015, 7:41 am

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Visit McKeil Marine at the annual Breakbulk Americas Conference and Exhibition in Houston, Texas from October 6-8. The largest exhibition of its kind in North America, Breakbulk brings top-tier shippers together with breakbulk and project cargo service providers. Our team will be on-hand to greet you throughout the exhibition in booth #510. http://www.breakbulk.com/events/breakbulk-americas/breakbulk-americas-2015/ 

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McKeil supports Mohawk College Community Report

September 25, 2015, 8:39 am

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McKeil Marine is proud of our relationship with Mohawk College and the McKeil School of Business. The annual Community Report for 2015 highlights the important relationship between the College and the business community. Read the full report at http://issuu.com/mohawkcollege/docs/community_report_-_the_spec_-_2015_/2?e=9367049/15286827

Essroc Italcementi

May 9, 2014, 12:02 pm

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Over the many years we have worked together, McKeil Marine has always provided individual customer service with a team approach to problem solving, while still maintaining the sense of family that is at the core of their business.

Stephen Murch, Sr. Manager Marine Logistics

Essroc Italcementi

Sailing Crew Story: Terry Brown

May 17, 2014, 8:31 pm

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Meet Terry Brown, 2nd Engineer with McKeil Marine since 2000. Terry’s responsibilities include overseeing engine room systems, generators and other technology.

Terry notes the support for family and his fellow crew members as being an important part of daily life aboard.

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Sailing Crew,

crew stories,

media,

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Sailing Crew Story: Marvin Cooper

May 17, 2014, 8:44 pm

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Meet Marvin Cooper, Captain with McKeil Marine since 1999. Marvin’s responsibilities include overseeing all operations of the tug and barge, leading crew, safe navigation and communication with the shore-based support crew.

What stands out to Marvin are the people and feeling like an important part of the company and the McKeil family.

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Sailing Crew,

crew stories,

media,

video

Immersing ourselves in Lake Ontario Waterkeeper

May 21, 2014, 9:20 am

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McKeil Marine proudly supports Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and shares a vision for safe, clean water for everyone. Each year the Waterkeeper Gala brings together leaders from the worlds of art, business, sport, entertainment, industry and social enterprise to collectively advance Lake Ontario clean water initiatives. In 2014, McKeil was again a proud sponsor and company Chairman and CEO Blair McKeil launched a new video series “What is your connection to water?”

Lake Ontario Waterkeeper is a registered Canadian charity, helping to create a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future by connecting and empowering people in order to stop pollution, protect human health, and restore habitat.

http://www.waterkeeper.ca/blog/2014/5/21/what-is-your-connection-to-water-featuring-blair-mckeil

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Environment,

QSHE,

McKeil Cares,

video,

Lake Ontario Waterkeeper

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McKeil named Hamilton's Outstanding Large Business

March 22, 2016, 11:59 am

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McKeil Marine was awarded the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Outstanding Business Achievement Award in the Large Business category on March 8^th at a dinner gala hosted by the Chamber.

Each year, the OBAA recognizes a business that makes an outstanding contribution to the Hamilton area and inspires others to excellence.

Nominees were graded on six criteria:  Entrepreneurship, High Standard of Employee Relations, Promotion of Hamilton outside the area, Excellence in Community Relations, Product Innovation, and Testimonials and Peer Reviews. A panel of six judges reviewed submissions and selected one winner in each category:  small business, medium business, and large business.  

While Chairman and CEO Blair McKeil was on hand to proudly accept this award—backed  by a cheering squad from Hamilton's head office—he emphasized that,  “This award is for all of us and each of us. We are all McKeil. ”

(Pictured above: Keanin Loomis, President  & CEO of Hamilton Chamber of Commerce; Blair McKeil, Chairman and CEO of McKeil Marine; and Mayor Fred Eisenberger, Mayor, City of Hamilton.)

McKeil Marine presenting sponsor for Lake Ontario Waterkeeper Gala

March 29, 2016, 11:20 am

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Hamilton-based marine services company supports the April 21st charity gala & art auction for swimmable, drinkable, fishable water

March 29, 2016. Hamilton, ON ~ McKeil Marine is proudly stepping forward as presenting sponsor for the fifth annual Lake Ontario Waterkeeper Gala to be held at the Canadian Broadcasting Centre (CBC) on Thursday, April 21, 2016. The Waterkeeper Gala is Canada’s foremost fundraiser for swimmable, drinkable, fishable water.

“It’s a natural fit,” says Blair McKeil, Chairman and CEO of McKeil Marine, who co-chairs the gala along with his wife, Kathy McKeil, Director Corporate Communications for the company, and Susan Schaefer of Corus Entertainment. “Water is the essence of our business and McKeil Marine shares Lake Ontario Waterkeeper’s vision for safe, clean water for everyone.”

“McKeil Marine has been privileged to support the work of Mark Mattson, Founder and President, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper over the past five years,” says Kathy McKeil. “The Gala has become one of Toronto’s top events, engaging the community to celebrate and protect Canada’s waterways. We’re delighted to be part of it. Respect for the water anchors McKeil’s culture of safe practices for our environment and our people.”

The Waterkeeper Gala brings together business leaders, philanthropists, artists and the community for a dinner, art auction and musical celebration. The art auction features works by notable artists, including recent Governor General Awards-winners Edward Burtynsky and Wanda Koop. Works can be previewed online at waterkeepergala.ca/art.

The fifth annual Waterkeeper Gala takes place on Thursday, April 21, 6 p.m. at the CBC, 250 Front Street West in Toronto. Tickets are $500 and available online at waterkeepergala.ca. All proceeds from the event will support the work of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper to ensure Canada’s waterways are swimmable, drinkable and fishable so communities can prosper.

Established in 1956, McKeil Marine Limited is a family-owned marine services company delivering transportation and project services solutions. Its versatile fleet of tugs, barges, workboats and vessels operate throughout the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, east coast and the Canadian Arctic. McKeil Marine is Green Marine Certified.

Lake Ontario Waterkeeper is a Canadian charity working for a day when every person in our watershed can safely touch the water, when the water is pure enough to drink, and when the lake is clean and wild enough that you could toss in a line anywhere and pull out a fish.

Visit the Waterkeeper Gala website

The MicMac Guitar

April 28, 2016, 12:59 pm

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McKeil Marine commissioned luthier Daniel Clark, owner of Cithara Guitars Inc, to create the custom “MicMac” guitar, named after the first boat in the McKeil Fleet.   The instrument pays tribute to the marine industry with its mahogany, cedar, maple, two-tone ebony and bloodwood design. Elegant inlays represent the North Star, a compass and McKeil’s Canadian roots.

The guitar was reveal to the McKeil Crew at our 2016 Crew Meeting in February, where it was played by Robin Hawkins. We’re delighted with gorgeous and meaningful instrument that Daniel created in honour of our 60^th Anniversary.

Daniel Clarke was mentored by Blair McKeil through Mohawk College’s McKeil School of Business Entrepreneur-in-Residence program and we are proud of his continued success with Cithara Guitars.

Photo Caption: Kathy McKeil, luthier Daniel Clark and Steve Fletcher pose with the custom McKeil 60^th Anniversary Guitar, MicMac1956, by Cithara Guitars Inc.

McKeil participates in Innovation Nation Conference

May 12, 2016, 11:47 am

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McKeil Marine will be at the Innovation Nation conference and robotics competition at Liuna Station on Sunday, May 29 and encourages area residents to attend this free event.

Participants will enjoy inspirational stories, new ideas and great networking opportunities. Come for the morning to hear the guest speakers including:

• Catherine (Cady) Coleman, NASA Astronaut
• Sylvain Laporte, President Canadian Space Agency
• Kirt Costello, Deputy Chief Scientist, NASA International Space Station
• and many other distinguished representatives from leading edge industry and educational institutions.

Stay for the afternoon to watch the robotics competition, showcasing innovations from university, college and high school students from across Canada. McKeil Marine will be staffing a display in the Exhibitor area so be sure to drop by our booth to say hello.

There is no charge for this free event but registration is required.

The Innovation Nation Conference is produced by, the Centre for Surgical Invention and Innovation (CSii) a nationally funded Centre of Excellence and NCE research accelerator.

Innovation Nation Conference:
9 am to 5 pm
Liuna Station, 360 James St. North, Hamilton, ON

Learn more at innovation-nation.ca.

McKeil Marine partners in Mohawk’s Second Annual President’s Dinner

May 12, 2016, 11:53 am

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Helping Students in Priority Neighbourhoods

McKeil Marine was proud to be the official partner at Mohawk College’s Second Annual President’s Partnership Dinner at Hamilton’s Liuna Station on April 27^th.

Proceeds from the dinner help students from priority neighbourhoods with education costs not covered by the province, including books and fees, and fund bursaries that benefit students who are juggling school, work and family commitments.

“McKeil is proud of our partnership with Mohawk College and we feel very fortunate to be in a position to help change lives for under-served students in our community,” shared Blair McKeil during his opening remarks.

The evening included a performance by Scottish-Canadian Tenor John McDermott singing “Evans Spirit” a song he wrote to commemorate McKeil Marine’s 60^th Anniversary, accompanied by the Hamilton Children’s Chorus.

Additional funds were raised through a live auction featuring a custom-built guitar by luthier Daniel Clark of Cithara Guitars Inc, a graduate of Mohawk College’s business program.

McKeil Marine expands fleet with additional ship

June 15, 2016, 8:55 am

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McKeil Marine’s newest vessel, the Arklow Willow which will be renamed Florence Spirit, is the second ship in McKeil Marine's ever-expanding fleet. 

A modern, gearless bulk carrier with four cargo holds, she will complement the Evans Spirit—the company’s first ship which was acquired last year and named after company founder Evans McKeil. As the Florence Spirit, the new ship will carry the name of Evans' wife Florence.

“I’m immensely proud that McKeil Marine continues to grow. Acquiring a second ship and naming her after my mother really is a good news story that crowns our 60^th year celebrations,” says Blair McKeil, chairman and CEO. “Our investment in the Evans Spirit and what will be the Florence Spirit has enabled McKeil to create 50 new permanent, full-time positions for skilled sailing crew.”

Built in 2004, the Arklow Willow is a 136 metre by 21 metre general cargo vessel capable of carrying 13,500 metric tonnes, supporting the company's focus on a 9,000-to-15,000-tonne niche cargo size. Trading predominantly between the Great Lakes and the Maritimes, the vessel will carry powdered cement and raw materials for the cement industry, amongst other bulk cargo. 

The Arklow Willow serves as an alternate solution to the Ardita—a bulk carrier that McKeil intended to acquire and took delivery of earlier this spring, but the deal was cancelled after the owners failed to deliver the documents required for closing. Reacting quickly to meet the needs of its customers, McKeil moved to acquire the Arklow Willow.

McKeil mobilized the Arklow Willow from Marseilles, France; sailed her across the North Atlantic to Sydney, NS; ‘Canadianized’ the vessel; and will be loading her first cargo, all in just under four weeks.  

“Our acquisition of this new vessel is another example of how, in the face of unexpected challenges, McKeil’s agility and readiness separate us from the competition,” says Steve Fletcher, president.

Plans to convert the vessel to McKeil colours are pending and a christening of both the Evans Spirit and Florence Spirit are in the works as part of McKeil's 60th Anniversary Celebrations

McKeil crew particpate in Janeway Telethon

July 8, 2016, 8:50 am

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Crew members from McKeil’s Newfoundland office participated in the 32^nd Annual Janeway Children’s Miracle Network Telethon in June to raise money for the Janeway Children’s Health & Rehabilitation Centre, providing vital pediatric health-care services to the children of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The McKeil team answered phones and collected pledges during the telethon. McKeil Marine also presented a cheque for $10,000 as part of the company’s long-term commitment to the Janeway. The telethon raised more than $2.7 million.

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Rooting for McKeil’s Jenna Martin

July 8, 2016, 10:25 am

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McKeil Marine is rooting for Olympian Jenna Martin this weekend as she competes in the 400-metre race at the Canadian Track and Field Championships in Edmonton, AB. It’s the last hurdle on the road to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this summer.

Jenna, daughter of McKeil mariner Steve Martin, competed for Canada at the 2012 London games and has continued her career as an elite athlete.  McKeil is very proud to have Jenna as part of our family and honoured to support her career through our McKeil Cares program, helping to offset the costs of training and travel. 

After the 2016 season, Jenna plans to retire from track and field to pursue a career in counseling and spend more time with her husband DeQuin Evans, who is also a professional athlete. Jenna looks forward to spending more time in Montreal where Evans is based as a defensive lineman for the Montreal Alouettes.

According  to a recent article in the Edmonton Journal, this weekend’s competition is “arguably the deepest pool of Canadian track athletes ever assembled.” 

 

 

Pictured: Jenna Martin, middle, is shown during the home stretch of the 400 Metre Dash International event during the 2015 Aileen Meagher Track Classic. Photo courtesy of The Chronicle Herald.

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community,

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Green Marine features McKeil’s 60th and the Evans Spirit

July 20, 2016, 12:15 pm

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The Spring issue of Green Marine magazine features an article on McKeil Marine’s 60^th anniversary and the first bulk carrier in our fleet, the Evans Spirit, acquired last fall and named after company founder Evans McKeil.

Visit Green Marine to read the complete article.

(Photo credit: Ron Beaupre)

 

 

Topic: 

60 Years

Celebrating 60 Years with Pictures and Song

July 20, 2016, 12:56 pm

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McKeil commissioned renowned North American marine artist Paul C. LaMarre to paint a watercolour commemorating the company’s 60th Anniversary celebrations. The finely detailed work portrays McKeil vessels that have played a significant role in the company’s operations over the years.

Learn more about the artist. 

(Pictured: Blair & Kathy McKeil, Paul LaMarre III (son of artist) and Steve Fletcher. Credit: Carole & Roy Timm Photography)

 

Evans Spirit, the song

McKeil Marine also commissioned Canadian tenor John McDermott and Eric Robertson to write and record the single Evans’ Spiritwhich was performed at the Annual McKeil Crew Meeting, February 2016, with the Hamilton Children’s Choir.

Lyrics:

It doesn’t seem like 60 years
The time just slipped away
All the places and the faces
Sometimes we forget the names
 
There were high times
And low times too
But we never lost our sight
 
Of Evan’s dream for McKeil marine
The future looks so bright
 
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From great lakes to arctic shore
Evan’s spirit is with us still
It unfolds each day at dawning light
With Blair now at the wheel
 
This man Blair now quite a legend
In his caring hands he holds
All the hopes and dreams for Mckeil Marine
With our hearts in tow
 
And with him we’ll grow and grow
 
***************
 
Every year brings new adventures
A challenge to us all
And we face them as a family
Together standing tall
 
For our strength is in our people
And our love runs deep and strong
 
In our minds and hearts
We do our part
On the water we are one
 
And we’ve only just begun.

Topic: 

60 Years

Maritime Magazine Features McKeil Marine

August 30, 2016, 3:30 am

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Maritime Magazine published a multi-page feature  on McKeil Marine in their Summer 2016 issue, commemmorating our 60th Anniversary.

Download the feature or read online at Maritime Magazine (page 64).

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60 Years

McKeil delivers surprise Thanksgiving dinner to the Ardita

October 13, 2016, 3:04 pm

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McKeil Marine delivered a turkey dinner with all the trimmings to the 14-member crew of the Ardita, who have been in Hamilton Harbour since April of this year.

McKeil Marine's CEO Blair McKeil, President Steve Fletcher and VP Operations Olous Boag brought the entire meal to Pier 25 where the Ardita was temporarily docked to take on supplies. Peter Trajkovski of the Edgewater Manor Restaurant and his team prepared the dinner.

Read the full story online at The Hamilton Spectator.

McKeil Marine also took the opportunity this harvest holiday to wish the Hamilton community a Happy Thanksgiving with a colourful display in The Spectator.

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community