Transportation and Works
July 31, 2017

Minister Hawkins Joins Community to Welcome MV Legionnaire to Bell Island-Portugal Cove Service

The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works, joined the ferry committee, community leaders and residents of Bell Island today to welcome the MV Legionnaire to the Bell Island-Portugal Cove service.

The Legionnaire is replacing the Beaumont Hamel, which will become a swing vessel in the provincial ferry fleet.

The Legionnaire, along with the MV Veteran which services Farewell-Fogo Island-Change Islands, was commissioned in 2013 at a cost of $100.5 million.

The vessel is named in honour of the sacrifices made by those who have served or are currently serving their country, as well as the contributions of legionnaires to their communities.

The ferry also honours the contributions of four notable Bell Islanders. The Harry Hibbs Observation Deck, the David Nish Jackman Lounge and the Tom Fitzgeralds� Lounge � Senior and Big Tom, are named after individuals who reflect the diversity, culture and history of Bell Island.

Quote
�Today marks an exciting milestone for Bell Island residents to see the Legionnaire enter service at Bell Island-Portugal Cove. The vessel has provided assistance to fellow islanders on the Farewell-Fogo Island-Change Islands service and is now fully repaired and ready to do service for the residents and businesses of Bell Island. Despite the many challenges with the Legionnaire and her sister ship the Veteran our government will continue to work to ensure a reliable ferry service.�
Al Hawkins
Minister of Transportation and Works

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Learn More
The new schedule for the Bell Island � Portugal Cove service can be found at www.tw.gov.nl.ca/ferryservices/

The Way Forward: A Five-Year Provincial Marine Infrastructure Plan PDF

Media contact
Brian Scott
Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 725-9201
brianscott@gov.nl.ca

2017 07 31                              11:30 a.m.