A scaled-down replica of the world’s fasted ship was built in Saint John three years ago, but the ship is still in bubble wrap today.
Project founder Barry Ogden says it is time to put the ship on display in uptown Saint John.
“The Marco Polo is the fastest ship in the world,” says Ogden. “We enjoyed a lot from her success. We picked up a lot of business because of her success.”
The success and history surrounding the ship led Ogden to create a community project focused on rebuilding the ship at a third of the size of the original. While the project was finished three years ago, there was no place for it to be displayed, so it was sealed up and stored at the port.
“It’s finding that piece of land and the mayor is dealing with various people on that,” says Ogden.
Pat Riley is with the Longshoremen’s Union. He says if the replica vessel was accessible to the public, it would be beneficial for the city.
“I think it is imperative that we try to do something and do it now. This is the time,” says Riley.
“The Port of Saint John is doing well by business volume, but we’ve got some empty terminals because the business is essentially centred on the west side, or down at the potash terminal. So, Long Wharf and Pugsley Terminal could be utilized to place the Marco Polo there.”
Ogden says he has scheduled a meeting with the city to discuss the future of the replica. He is hoping the ship can be brought out of storage sooner rather than later.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ashley Dunbar
