Transportation and Works
May 1, 2009

Government Seeks Design Consultants for New Ferry

A replacement ferry for the MV Captain Earl W. Winsor is closer to reality.

The Department of Transportation and Works has invited expressions of interest from naval architectural consultants to take the lead in developing the preliminary design and specifications for a vessel to replace the 37-year-old ferry that has been serving Fogo Island-Change Islands.

�This government remains steadfast in its commitment to replace the aging ferries in our fleet and this is yet another milestone in the ongoing process,� said Minister Taylor.

The ferry will be a roll-on/roll-off vessel with 60-vehicle capacity; a passenger lounge with capacity for 200 and a canteen/cafeteria. The vessel will also be environmentally friendly with low emission machinery.

As part of its Vessel Replacement Strategy, the Provincial Government hopes to have two new ferries in service by 2010, with two more to follow, which includes this replacement ferry.

With Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation, the Provincial Government is investing $44 million on the construction of new provincial ferries, $13.4 million on maintenance of the existing ferry fleet and $7 million dollars for the maintenance of ferry terminals and wharf infrastructure.

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Media contact:
David Salter
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 691-3577
davidsalter@gov.nl.ca

2009 05 01                            10:30 a.m.