Contract awarded for provincial ferry upgrades

Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett announced today a contract valued at $2.868 million has been awarded to Clarenville Drydock Ltd. for phase two refurbishment of the M/V Hull 100.

"I am looking forward to the final phase of refurbishment being completed on the Hull 100 and putting this vessel into service," said Minister Barrett. "This vessel, which is ice strengthened, is a welcome addition to our fleet."

The vessel will arrive at the dockyard within the next two weeks. Some of the work to be done on the vessel includes: refurbishing passenger and crew accommodations; recommissioning engine room machinery and propulsion equipment; installation of new electrical and heating systems; installation of Transport Canada approved life saving equipment; and various other work to be performed in order to meet Transport Canada requirements. It is expected this work will take approximately 10-11 months to complete. Minister Barrett said the final decision on where the vessel will be placed when she is completed is yet to be decided.

The vessel was purchased from the Estonian government in 1999 and has been undergoing a phased-in Canadianization process.

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

2002 09 13                                     9:45 a.m.