05/19/2026
Confined space, critical systems, and zero room for error.
We were called to Amherst Island near Kingston to handle a serious issue on a ferry vessel connecting the mainland. This diesel-electric hybrid vessel, with double stack compartments, had an exhaust leak that contaminated sealed areas housing sensitive instrumentation, including gas detectors and monitoring systems. The contamination spread through the engine room and into two stacked compartments, each roughly 30 ft high, triggering false alarms and taking the vessel out of operation.
Our confined space team spent three full days inside these compartments, carefully cleaning all surfaces, instrumentation, and tight-access areas without damaging any critical components. We also cleaned the engine room where the issue originated, restoring the system safely and effectively.
Dry ice blasting was the only method suited for this:
- Non-abrasive, safe for delicate equipment
- No moisture, critical for electrical systems
- No secondary waste, ideal for confined spaces
- Reaches tight areas without disassembly
Diesel-electric vessels rely on clean environments and accurate sensor readings.
When contamination interferes, operations stop. We got this system cleaned, stabilized, and ready to return to service.
This work was completed for the Ministry of Transportation.
Being on an island with no amenities, we brought everything with us, including our own kitchen.
Between long days, the crew kept it simple with burgers and hot dogs.
That also brought in a local visitor. A friendly, collared farm dog caught the smell and decided to stick with us for the entire job. Followed us around site, became part of the crew, and didn’t want us leaving, even tried to hop on the ferry back with us.
Tough job, remote conditions, precise work, and a few good moments along the way.
Take a look through the photos to see the level of detail involved.
