Year-round, two-vessel ferry service for Bell Island

Travelers using the Portugal Cove-Bell Island ferry will soon enjoy a two-vessel service all year. Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett and Conception Bay East-Bell Island MHA Jim Walsh made the announcement today at a meeting with the Bell Island Transportation Users Committee.

"Traditionally, the two-vessel service operated from May 24^th to the end of December. I am very pleased to announce the people of Bell Island will soon enjoy this service throughout the entire year," said Barrett. "The addition of the second vessel, the Beaumont Hamel, in a year-round capacity will also mean less wear and tear on the vessel currently being used and more time to spend on preventive maintenance."

"I am thrilled with this announcement and I�m sure the people of Bell Island will be as well," said Walsh. "Government continues to show its commitment to providing quality marine service to the people of Bell Island. The Department of Works, Services and Transportation is currently carrying out approximately $3 million in wharf upgrades on Bell Island. The addition of the second vessel for the full year, coupled with the wharf upgrades, will undoubtedly provide an unprecedented level of service for residents and visitors to Bell Island."

As a year-round vessel, the Beaumont Hamel will complement the M/V Flanders. The Beaumont Hamel is currently operating on the Fogo Island service while the M/V Captain Earl Windsor is on annual refit. When the Windsor returns to service, the Beaumont Hamel will undergo a short refit and then assume operation at Bell Island, expected to be before the May 24^th weekend. The commencement date for the Beaumont Hamel will be announced at a later time. When the Flanders or Beaumont Hamel undergo annual refit, a third vessel will assume the service ensuring the two-vessel operation remains in effect all year.

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015.

2002 04 26                         1:00 p.m.