The focus is “making sure we get service,” says Ray Ruben, mayor of Paulatuk.
The Marine Transportation Services fleet will be getting four new double-hulled barges.
GNWT says the barges will reduce costs by carrying multiple types of petroleum products and cargo to communities along the Beaufort Delta line. 
One of the major concerns in the Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, and Tuktoyaktuk communities is the environmental repercussions, says Ruben.
“We want to be assured that it’s an improvement,” he adds.
These new barges will minimize the risk of a fuel spill and improve the safety of community resupply options, says R.J. Simpson, minister of Infrastructure.
The budget for the barges was a $26 million shared investment, with three-quarters of it coming from the federal government.
“There will be no schedule changes as of yet,” says Greg Hanna, spokesperson for Infrastructure.
The barges were delivered to Tuktoyaktuk on Aug 31. from China.
