MV Nonia put into service

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced that the MV Nonia will go into service as a swing vessel. The MV Island Joiner has been servicing the four-point schedule between Shoal Arm, Little Bay Islands, Pilley�s Island and Long Island since the MV Inch Arran was taken out of service for an annual refit.

To restore a two-vessel service in Green Bay, the Nonia will be positioned at Little Bay Islands, effective July 8.

"The MV Island Joiner is not currently meeting the demands of the ferry service required at Little Bay Islands," said Minister Rideout. "We recognize the frustration associated with this situation. A second vessel is obviously necessary and our officials have been working diligently to get the Nonia crewed and into service."

The Nonia recently completed final adjustments and inspection at Lewisporte, where a crew for the vessel was recently put into place.

"The inspection was finalized this morning and an operation certificate was issued by Transport Canada," said the minister. "The vessel left Lewisporte around noon today and should arrive in Little Bay Islands by 6 p.m. this evening."

Minister Rideout said the Nonia will serve as a swing vessel for the Little Bay Islands ferry service until the MV Inch Arran has been refitted. It will then remain as a swing vessel and will be put into service when needed. It is anticipated that both the MV Inch Arran and the MV Sound of Islay will be back in service by the end of July.

The minister has also announced today that the MV Greenbay Transport, which serviced St. Brendan�s and Burnside, has gone into retirement. It has been replaced by the MV Hamilton Sound.

"To promote the safety of our ferry users, and to avoid mechanical problems and similar delays in the future, our department has decided to remove the MV Greenbay Transport from commission," said Minister Rideout. "The Hamilton Sound will continue to serve as the swing vessel and will continue to operate on the current schedule until a suitable replacement vessel is acquired."

Minister Rideout said the current issues with the province�s ferries and their services has prompted The Department of Transportation and Works to take precautionary measures.

"Our department recognizes that our ferries are very important to the people who depend on them every day," said the minister. "We are committed to ensuring that a reliable ferry system is maintained for the people of the province. To that end, Budget 2005-06 provided $500,000 to complete a vessel replacement strategy. The department expects to issue an expression of intent proposal within the next couple of days to select a consultant to complete the strategy."

Media contact: Danny Pond, Communications, (709) 729-1758, 685-3415

2005 07 07                                     3:05 p.m.