Executive Council
Transportation and Works
August 14, 2015

Improving Marine Services for Communities and Families

MV Veteran Begins Voyage to Newfoundland and Labrador

The MV Veteran, the new ferry to service the communities of Fogo Island and Change Islands, begins its voyage to Newfoundland and Labrador this weekend. The new 14-knot, 80-metre ice-class vessel with roll-on, roll-off capability, has been undergoing the final stages of construction at Damen Shipyards in Romania. The voyage to the province is expected to take approximately one month, weather and sea conditions permitting.
 
"The MV Veteran is now ready for its journey home and is anticipated to begin the Fogo Island/Change Islands service around early November. The addition of the Veteran to the province fleet is a great advancement in our work to build a modern ferry service, ensuring stronger transportation links for all residents. We continue to focus on supporting the economic and social development of our rural communities, which is also part of our Population Growth Strategy."
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
 
The MV Veteran must first dock in St. John's to clear customs, to allow for a six week training period and to conclude other operational and technical requirements. At that time, the province will also take possession of the vessel.
 
"Prior to the Veteran docking in St. John's, we have arranged for the vessel to do a sail past of Fogo Island and Change Islands, as well as Bell Island,  which will also welcome another new vessel, the MV Legionnaire, next year. This is an exciting milestone for our government, and for the residents of Fogo Island and Change Islands as we look forward to the arrival of the province's newest ferry."
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works

The timeline and schedule for the arrival of the MV Veteran is outlined below and is approximate pending weather and sea conditions:

• Monday, September 7 - vessel expected to arrive in Newfoundland and Labrador, conducting a sail past of Fogo Island and Change Islands.
• Tuesday, September 8 - sail past of Bell Island, Conception Bay. Vessel then docks at St. John's Harbour.
• Friday, September 11 - signing ceremony (province takes ownership of the vessel), St. John's Harbour, followed by an approximate period of six weeks for crew training.  
• End of October/early November - vessel arrives in Fogo Island and Change Islands for welcome ceremony and to begin service.

"It is exciting to think about the MV Veteran making its way to Newfoundland and Labrador. The arrival of the vessel is getting closer and we look forward to the improvements to the ferry service for Fogo Island and Change Islands as a result of the new, state of the art vessel. The MV Veteran is another great example of our government's commitment to improve ferry services in Newfoundland and Labrador and in particular The Isles of Notre Dame."
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and MHA for the Isles of Notre Dame
 
Updates on the progress of the MV Veteran's voyage to the province will be provided over the coming weeks. The MV Veteran is one of several new ferries to be constructed as part of efforts to renew the province's fleet. The MV Legionnaire was launched last month at Damen Shipyards in Romania and is due to arrive in the province in the spring of 2016.  The MV Hazel McIssac and the MV Grace Sparkes entered service in 2011.

QUICK FACTS

• The MV Veteran, the new ferry for Fogo Island and Change Islands, is beginning its voyage from Romania to Newfoundland and Labrador and is expected to arrive in the province September 14.
• The vessel will do a sail past of Fogo Island and Change Islands, as well as Bell Island, before docking at St. John's Harbour for customs clearance, reflagging and crew training.
• The MV Veteran, a 14-knot, 80-metre ice-class vessel with roll-on, roll-off capability, is one of two new ferries nearing completion. The MV Legionnaire, which will service Bell Island, is expected to arrive in the province in the spring of 2016.

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2015 08 14                                        4:45 p.m.