Season to begin for Labrador marine service

Works, Services and Transportation Minister Jim Walsh wishes to advise the public that terminals in Labrador will begin accepting freight on Monday, June 9 for the 2003 marine operating season. This start date is for freight traffic using the M/V Sir Robert Bond and the M/V Northern Ranger.

The Cartwright terminal will accept freight for the Sir Robert Bond, which provides both passenger and freight services. The vessel is expected to depart Cartwright at 7 a.m., June 10, with passengers and freight destined for Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The terminal in Happy Valley-Goose Bay will accept freight for the Northern Ranger, also a passenger and freight vessel. The Northern Ranger will depart Cartwright on June 10 at 11:30 a.m., making stops in Black Tickle, return to Cartwright, on to Rigolet, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, back to Rigolet, and on to ports north (ice conditions permitting), returning to Rigolet, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Cartwright.

Contracts for the south coast passenger/freight service and the north coast freight service are in the process of being awarded. Details will be released next week.

"Government�s marine services complement road transportation in Labrador, especially now with the Trans Labrador Highway open to Cartwright. We are looking forward to a successful season on the coast of Labrador," said Minister Walsh.

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Works, Services and Transportation, (709) 729-3015

2003 06 06                                          6:30 p.m.