Contract awarded for northern Labrador marine freight service

Jim Walsh, Minister for the Department of Works, Services and Transportation, announced today a contract has been awarded for a freighter vessel to service the north coast of Labrador.

The contract, valued at $5,098,500 over three years, was awarded to Star Line Inc. of Clarenville. As per the contract, the MV Nada, operating from Cartwright, will service the communities of Black Tickle, Rigolet, and ports north to Nain. The service is expected to begin next week. Specific dates and times will be announced at a later time.

"We are very pleased to have this contract awarded, as we now can begin shipping freight to the north coast," said Minister Walsh. "With all contracts now in place for coastal Labrador, we are expecting a successful shipping season."

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

2003 06 26                                    12:55 p.m.