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.


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