Ontario, Canada, Shipyard Christens Two Ships in One Day.

Byline: Matt Glynn

Mar. 11--ST. CATHARINES, Canada--Rising side by side, the two lakes freighters dominate the Port Weller Dry Docks.

A week ago, they created a bit of history: the first double-christening in the shipyard's 55-year history. The two old vessels, each more than 700 feet long, are undergoing major improvements before returning to the Great Lakes shipping trade this spring.

Ceremonies aside, such projects are the lifeblood of the Port Weller shipyard, the last Canadian-owned yard on the Great Lakes. With construction of brand-new ships scarce, the yard has relied on overhauling aging vessels to keep its business viable.

"We've …