by Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 04/98) - Iqaluit-based Nunavut Umiaq Corporation and Transport Nanuk of Montreal have joined forces to create a new shipping company, Nunavut Eastern Arctic Shipping Inc.

Nunavut Umiaq is equally-owned by Qikiqtaaluk Corp., the economic development arm of the Baffin's Qikiqtani Inuit Association, and Sakku Investments Corp. which is accountable to the Kivalliq Inuit Association.

The new shipping company is a majority Inuit-controlled corporation registered in Iqaluit.

It will focus on expanding services in Nunavut offered by Transport Nanuk through its two ice-classed vessels.

Last year, transport Nanuk moved about 8,500 cubic metres of cargo to Quebec, Baffin and Keewatin destinations.

Transport Nanuk was created in 1994 when Transport Igloolik and Logistec Navigation merged.

Transport Nanuk is jointly-owned by the North West Company and Logistec Corporation. Logistec is the largest stevedoring company in Eastern Canada.

Transport Nanuk offers specialized coastal shipping services, primarily to the Eastern Arctic.

The new company expects to increase its sealift services in anticipation of the creation of Nunavut and the increased activity in the East, Nunavut Eastern Arctic vice-president Suzanne Paquin said.

"This environment will also lead to job opportunities for the Inuit who have a vested interest in seeking development possibilities in marine transportation," according to the company.