Transportation and Works
March 10, 2015

Transportation Upgrades Support Improved Accessibility

Tenders Called for Wharf Improvements for Portugal Cove and Bell Island

To prepare for the February 2016 arrival of the MV Legionnaire, tenders are being released for required wharf upgrades for Portugal Cove and Bell Island. The new ferry, which is being constructed by Damen Shipyards Group, will significantly increase the reliability and capacity on the province’s busiest ferry route.

“As we near the arrival of the MV Legionnaire to the provincial fleet of ferries, excitement is growing among users of the Bell Island ferry service. The addition of a larger, more modern ferry will help meet passenger demand and bring greater reliability to the province’s busiest route. Through this tender, we are seeking contractors to build the necessary marine infrastructure in Portugal Cove and Bell Island to accommodate the new ferry.”
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works

In Portugal Cove, work will include a 40 metre extension of the existing wharf along the inside of the breakwater, as well as the construction of a new mechanical loading ramp and dredging in the harbour. On Bell Island, a new adjustable ramp will be constructed and dredging of the harbour will occur.

“The provincial ferry service is highly efficient with close to 94 per cent of all trips being on-time over the last two years. By replacing older vessels with modern, state-of-the-art ferries, as well as continued investments in the provincial fleet and in required infrastructure, our government is taking the necessary steps to meet demand and to support the many rural communities that rely on this mode of transportation.”
- Minister Brazil

Budget 2014 includes $71.5 million for ferry vessel replacement and ongoing maintenance and $8.5 million for improvements to marine terminals and wharfs.

QUICK FACTS

• Tenders are being called for improvements to the marine infrastructure for Portugal Cove and Bell Island to accommodate the arrival of the MV Legionnaire.
• The new ferry is scheduled to arrive in February 2016 and will bring greater reliability to the province’s busiest ferry service.
• The Bell Island ferry route provides service to over 530,000 passengers and close to 250,000 vehicles annually. This service surpasses the number of passengers and vehicles that use Marine Atlantic.
• The new ferry will be an 80-metre ice class vessel with roll-on, roll-off capability and a capacity to carry 200 passengers and 60 vehicles.
• The Provincial Government delivers ferry service to 23 communities and 41 terminal ports throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contact:

Scott Barfoot Director of Communication Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca

2015 03 10                              10:30 a.m.