Decision No. 306-W-2005

May 17, 2005

May 17, 2005

APPLICATION by WesternGeco Canada, pursuant to the Coasting Trade Act, S.C., 1992, c. 31, for a licence to use the "WESTERN NEPTUNE", a Panamanian seismic research vessel, to conduct a 1,000 to 1,500 square kilometre seismic survey off the coast of Newfoundland, in an area known as the Jeanne D'Arc Basin, during the period commencing on August 1, 2005 and ending on November 30, 2005.

File No. W9125/W14/05-3

WesternGeco Canada has applied to the Minister of National Revenue for a licence to operate the service set out in the title. The matter was referred to the Canadian Transportation Agency (hereinafter the Agency) on April 12, 2005.

The Agency conducted a search of the relevant portion of the marine industry and on April 25, 2005, Geophysical Service Incorporated offered a Canadian non duty paid vessel, the GSI Admiral. However, on May 13, 2005, Geophysical Service Incorporated informed the Agency that it withdraws its objection as the GSI Admiral is no longer available.

In light of the foregoing, the Canadian Transportation Agency has determined pursuant to subsection 8(1) of the Coasting Trade Act that there is no suitable Canadian ship that is available to provide the service or perform the activities described in the application.

This determination will be provided to the Minister of National Revenue for any necessary action as provided for in the Coasting Trade Act.

This Decision does not constitute an authority to commence operations in respect of the service for which application has been made.

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