McAsphalt Industries Ltd. and Upper Lakes Group Inc. have recently announced a joint venture for the formation of McAsphalt Marine Transportation Limited. The company will construct and operate a new ATB unit for the carriage of heavy oils and asphalt products serving the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River and East Coast. A synergy between the two parent companies combine the long experience of an asphalt producer, supplier and marketing team, with a respected marine transportation and ship management group. A new barge called the Norman McLeod is currently under construction at the Jinling Shipyard in China with expected delivery to Canada in late June 2001. Fraser Marine and Industrial of Port Colborne will perform completion of outfitting, with operational status ready for fall 200.