Minister announces Request for Proposal Call as first phase for vessel replacement program

Jim Walsh, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for phase one of the vessel replacement program, the replacement of the MV Hamilton Sound. The RFP will be announced on government�s Web site as of today and will be advertised in the provincial papers this coming weekend.

"In this year�s budget, government committed to a new cost-effective vessel replacement and refurbishment program," said Minister Walsh. "Today we have met this commitment and begin phase one in our long-term strategy to meet the needs of the traveling public who utilize ferry services in the province. The replacement of the Hamilton Sound will greatly enhance ferry service for the people of Bell Island, St. Brendan�s and Fogo Island and serves as an excellent beginning for the vessel replacement program as a whole."

"I think the addition of a vessel to the ferry fleet is a new future for tourism and industry on Bell Island," said Gary Gosine, mayor of Bell Island. "Bell Island needs a reliable and dependable vessel if it is to continue to grow and prosper. For years we have had to suffer five months of the year with a swing vessel that was incapable of providing the level of service required by Bell Island ferry users. Today�s announcement means that now we will have a vessel that not only meets these needs but brings with it extra jobs and an increased vehicle and passenger capacity. It is a welcome development; one we hope to see continue as government moves to improve ferry service and fleet quality in the province."

The 34-year-old Hamilton Sound is currently used as a swing vessel along the northeast coast while other vessels are out of service on planned refit and was deemed a priority for replacement by the department in Budget 2003. The replacement vessel will be part of the provincial fleet operated by the Department of Works, Services and Transportation and in all likelihood the crew of the Hamilton Sound will staff the vessel with a small increase in complement from seven to 10 members due to the increase in vehicle and passenger capacity. The new vessel will have a 28 car, 160 passenger capacity with the ability to accommodate tractor trailers and will continue to serve as a swing vessel for Bell Island, St. Brendan�s and Fogo Island.

"While the Captain Earl Windsor is the best vessel the residents of Twillingate and Fogo District have ever had, we certainly welcome the addition of a new swing vessel to the fleet," said MHA and Education Minister Gerry Reid. "It will do a great deal to improve ferry service during the time of year when the Windsor is off on planned refit."

Terra Nova MHA and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Tom Lush said: "I am pleased to see the beginning of the vessel replacement program. The first step of adding a new swing vessel will have a positive impact on the economy, and will go a long way in improving service as we move to meet the needs of ferry users in St. Brendan�s."

"As chair of the Ferry Users Committee of Bell Island, I am extremely happy about today�s announcement," said Gordon Shea. "The committee has been working with Minister Walsh for many years toward this announcement and will continue to work with him to improve ferry service to the island. While the addition of a new swing vessel is a promising sign, we see this as the beginning of a process which will see the addition of several new, modern vessels to the fleet. This is the only true way to improve service to Bell Island."

"I am really pleased by this news," said Cliff Rowe of the Fogo Island Transportation Committee. "As a member of the committee and owner of a trucking company myself, I can say the addition of a new swing vessel to the fleet is good news. It�s good news for the people of Fogo Island and for the other communities that will benefit from the vessel when their own are off for planned refit service. A new vessel will help alleviate congestion issues and will help encourage passenger and freight transport to the island."

"We are delighted that the government has decided to replace the Hamilton Sound with a new swing ferry," said Yvonne Ryan, deputy mayor of St. Brendan�s. "No doubt this will be an improvement to the ferry service at St. Brendan�s, Fogo Island and Bell Island. Any addition to the provincial ferry system will help all islands which depend on ferry services. The people of St. Brendan�s have been pressing for a new ferry for some time and today�s announcement, the first step in government�s vessel replacement program, will help us move one step closer to that goal."

The deadline for the RFP is October 14; at which time a review committee will analyze the proposals and recommend the most appropriate design, build and financing plan.

"We anticipate being able to announce the final selection within a month of the closing of the RFP depending on the quantity and quality of the submissions we receive," said Minister Walsh."This is a great opportunity for the local business community and the local economy. I know there are a number of sites in the province where work of this magnitude can be completed: Marystown, Clarenville, St. John�s and Bull Arm. We have a talented and skilled workforce and we have the means to do the work on time and within budget. I am confident that as a province we can do this work right here."

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

2003 09 17                                        12:10 p.m.