NLIS 8
October 28, 2005
(Transportation and Works)
Minister says Bell Island well
served by ferries
The people of Bell Island continue to be well
served by the province�s ferry system, said Tom Rideout, Minister of
Transportation and Works. �Bell Island is the only island in the province that
is regularly served by two vessels, and this ordinarily provides a very reliable
ferry service between Portugal Cove and Bell Island.�
The normal wait time for a ferry crossing is very minimal. However, when the
Portugal Cove-Bell Island ferry operation is reduced to one vessel, the
department takes necessary actions to lessen any inconvenience.
�There are times when it is necessary to deploy one of the vessels at Bell
Island to another part of the province,� said the minister. �However, when this
happens, the remaining vessel will run more frequently to provide additional
runs. The MV Flanders is currently operating on an increased schedule and
this will continue until the MV Nonia arrives.�
Vessels within the provincial ferry fleet are required by Transport Canada to be
removed from service regularly to undergo annual or mid-life refits. This is for
the safety of all ferry users.
Minister Rideout said: �My department is responsible for a number of ferry
services throughout the province. We have responsibilities to ferry users
outside of Bell Island and vessels must be moved around for refit purposes.
�The MV Earl Winsor is due to go in for a scheduled refit. This requires
that the MV Beaumont Hamel be relocated to the Fogo Island � Change
Islands run. During this time of reconfiguration for the vessels, Bell Island
has not been without a ferry service.�
Weather has prevented the MV Nonia from arriving at Portugal Cove.
Minister Rideout said, �The decision to sail is solely that of the captain and,
due to Transport Canada regulations, my department cannot and will not influence
this decision.�
Minister Rideout said: �Bad weather will occur from time to time and this will
impact the ability of ferries to travel from one location to another. When that
happens, safety must be our first priority, and we must trust the judgment of
the captains involved.�
The minister went on to say that, with or without both vessels, emergency
measures remain intact. �In case of an emergency, the department will
immediately send our vessel to the island,� said the minister.
The major tourism season has ended, and the MV Flanders can reasonably
accommodate marine traffic traveling to Bell Island. In fact, departmental
research has previously indicated that, from a capacity perspective, one vessel
could adequately serve the Portugal Cove � Bell Island run.
�In Budget 2004, government considered removing one vessel from the Bell Island
ferry service,� said Minister Rideout. �The research showed that one ferry was
capable of meeting the demand. However, in order to provide those who depend on
this operation with the best possible service, we decided maintain the status
quo in response to the strong request of my colleague, Minister Dianne Whalen.�
Minister Rideout continued, �Government recognizes the need for dependable ferry
services for those who depend on them everyday. We have made great strides in
addressing the under-funding of our provincial ferry fleet that occurred under
the previous administration. Unfortunately, this cannot be corrected overnight.
In the meantime, vessels must continue to undergo refits, and the provincial
ferry service will have to be reconfigured from time to time.�
Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403
2005 10 28
3:00 p.m. |