RFP issued for removal of abandoned railcars near Walton, Nova Scotia

Published March 18, 2026

RFP issued for removal of abandoned railcars near Walton, Nova Scotia

The Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE), working with the Province of Nova Scotia, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the removal and environmentally responsible disposal of four abandoned railcars near the mouth of the Walton River.

The railcars were part of a tidal energy project that was never completed. They are now both a navigational hazard and a concern for residents, and the Province has asked FORCE to oversee their safe removal.

The RFP invites qualified contractors with experience in marine salvage or heavy civil removals to submit plans for the removal and disposal of the rail cars to an approved disposal site.

Each railcar measures approximately 42 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 15 feet high, and is constructed of steel filled with concrete, with an estimated dry weight of about 300 tonnes each.

Because the site experiences strong tidal currents and complex working conditions, proposals must include detailed engineering, certified marine equipment, safety plans, and environmental compliance measures.

The successful contractor will be responsible for:

  • Removal of the railcars from the seabed
  • Transporting them to an approved disposal site
  • Clearing the site of debris and obstructions

FORCE will oversee the work to ensure all activities meet health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

 

Timeline

Proposals must be submitted through MERX by April 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM ADT.

Removal work is expected to be complete by early summer, depending on contractor scheduling and tidal conditions.

The RFP is available on MERX:

Note: your organization needs to be registered to MERX to access the document:

 https://www.merx.com/solicitations/open-bids/Railcar-Removal-and-Disposal/0000313815?origin=0

 

Contact

Questions regarding the RFP may be directed to:

Kirsti Mason

Operations Manager

Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE)

kirsti.mason@fundyforce.ca