Government launches vessel replacement program

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador launched an aggressive, new ferry replacement plan today and Works, Services and Transportation Minister Jim Walsh said he is thrilled with what this means for ferry users in the province.

"This vessel replacement plan is a huge commitment government is making to people of the province, and indeed to those outside of the province, who use our provincial ferry system. I am very excited about the changes we will be making to our ferry system over the next several years. Ferry users will see major improvements in their travel," said Minister Walsh.

Minister Walsh said last year government announced it would examine options for replacing the province�s older ferries. "We have spent a considerable amount of time over the past year developing a replacement plan," said Minister Walsh. "The result is an aggressive vessel replacement program on which we will take immediate action."

Minister Walsh said government will follow a phased-in plan to replace older vessels, a process which will conclude in 2005-06. Phase one of the program involves replacing the Hamilton Sound, which is currently used as a swing vessel for Bell Island, Fogo Island, and various other islands along the northeast coast while other vessels are on refit. The 34-year old Hamilton Sound has been deemed a priority for replacement by the department because it is nearing the end of its useful life. Over the next several months, the department will issue a call for expressions of interest to determine what the level of interest is in the marine industry to supply such a vessel. This will be followed by a request for proposals through which the department will receive more detailed input from the industry on vessels that might be best suited for the replacement.

The second phase of the program is to complete the refit of the Hull 100. This ice-strengthened vessel is currently at Clarenville Drydock receiving the final phase of its refit. Final upgrades to the Hull 100 are expected to be completed this summer, after which it will replace one of the older vessels in the fleet. Details on where this vessel will be placed will be announced at a later date.

Phase three of government�s vessel replacement program involves replacing the Green Bay Transport, which operates on the St. Brendan�s to Burnside crossing. The Green Bay Transport will be replaced with a vessel of comparable size in fiscal year 2004-05. The department also plans to issue a call for expressions of interest followed by a request for proposals to find a suitable replacement vessel for the Green Bay Transport.

Phase four includes replacing the Sound of Islay in fiscal year 2005-06. The Sound of Islay is currently the second of the department�s two swing vessels.

"We are prepared to consider various scenarios for the supply and operation of vessels, including public-private partnerships," said Minister Walsh. "Our goal in this entire process is to find suitable replacement ferries in a cost-effective manner." Minister Walsh said government will release more details on its vessel replacement program as the plan progresses.

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

2003 03 27                                       4:30 p.m.