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Transportation and Works
June 2, 2011

New Ferry MV Hazel McIsaac to Enter Service in Green Bay

The second new ferry of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s vessel replacement strategy is scheduled to sail into Green Bay in central Newfoundland to begin service this afternoon, Thursday, June 2.

“The MV Hazel McIsaac is a state-of-the-art vessel that will serve in the provincial fleet for years to come,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. “Bringing this new ferry into service in Green Bay allows us the flexibility to retire one of the oldest vessels in the fleet, while maintaining a high level of service for the people of Little Bay Islands and Long Island.”

The MV Island Joiner, which currently serves Long Island, will proceed to Lewisporte for decommissioning as the MV Hazel McIsaac enters service on the Little Bay Islands - Shoal Arm run. The MV Sound of Islay, which currently services the route, will move to the Long Island - Pilley’s Island run.

The MV Sound of Islay will also serve as a swing vessel to be used as a replacement ferry around the province as needed. During times when the vessel is required in another part of the province, the MV Hazel McIsaac will operate on a four-point service in Green Bay, serving both Little Bay Islands and Long Island.

“This new ferry illustrates this government’s commitment to enhanced transportation services in rural Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Kevin Pollard, MHA for Baie Verte - Springdale. “The communities in Green Bay, which this vessel will serve, can only benefit from having a brand new ferry at their disposal.”

The MV Hazel McIsaac and its sister ship, the MV Grace Sparkes were officially christened at a ceremony at the Kiewit Offshore Services Cow Head facility near Marystown on March 11. A community ceremony to mark the vessel’s entry into service is being planned for a later date.

“The MV Hazel McIsaac is a welcome addition to the provincial ferry service,” said Ray Hunter, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor - Green Bay South. “I am pleased that our government is following through on its commitment to replace aging vessels in our fleet.”

The MV Hazel McIsaac is a 42-metre, 80-passenger vessel with capacity for 16 passenger vehicles or one transport truck and 11 passenger vehicles. The vessel and its sister ship come at a construction cost of approximately $27.5 million each.

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador provides $39.3 million for the continuation of the vessel replacement strategy. This includes funding to begin construction of a third medium-sized vessel, to complete the design and begin construction of a large-size vessel and to complete the design and purchase materials for six small-size ferry vessels.

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Media contacts:

Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca
Donna Ivey
Communications Manager
House of Assembly
Government Members Office
709-729-0898, 697-1424
donnaivey@gov.nl.ca 

2011 06 02             11:45 a.m.

 
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