First Step Taken Towards Building a New Ferry for Fogo Island and Change Islands

As announced through Budget 2012, $5 million has been allocated to start construction of a new ferry for the communities of Fogo Island and Change Islands. In order to advance the Provincial Government’s vessel replacement schedule so that it meets the long-term needs of ferry-dependent communities, the Provincial Government will seek Expressions of Interest (EOI) from shipyards in the coming months to develop a list of qualified candidates that can take on the project.

“The MV Captain Earl Winsor is one of the largest ships in the provincial fleet, it serves a high number of residents in an area where the tourism industry is growing rapidly, and the vessel is at the end of its service life,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. “These conditions have created a need to replace this vessel in the near future, and given the cost and logistics associated with this project, it is clear that seeking expressions of interest is the best way to generate a list of companies that are capable of offering competitive bids and timelines.”

The Provincial Government previously envisioned the construction of all 10 vessels in the vessel replacement schedule to take place within the province. However, given that the MV Captain Earl Winsor is one of the largest in the provincial fleet with a length of 76 metres, a weight of 1,772 tonnes, and a carrying capacity of between 55-60 cars and 250-300 passengers, only certain shipyards can pursue a project of this magnitude, and achieving the best possible cost and most efficient timeline will be key. A significant benefit of the EOI process is that it will create a list of the best qualified shipyards that would be able to begin construction in the near future. This will put the Provincial Government in the best possible position to pursue the most efficient construction option.

“I am very pleased that the Provincial Government has taken action to ensure residents of Fogo Island and Change Islands will benefit from a brand new ferry,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and MHA for The Isles of Notre Dame. “This new vessel will not only promote the well-being of residents, but also support the tremendous tourism development that is happening in these communities.”

The design of the replacement of the MV Captain Earl Winsor is expected to be completed by the end of May. The call for Expressions of Interest will be issued during the summer.

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity – Responsible Investments for a Secure Future provides approximately $310 million for various infrastructure initiatives to ensure a transportation network that meets the economic and social needs of residents of the province.

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2012 05 03                           12:35 p.m.