Provincial Government to Increase Passenger, Vehicle and Freight Capacity for Strait of Belle Isle Ferry Services

  • Transportation and Works

May 11, 2018

The Provincial Government has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for ferry services across the Strait of Belle Isle that will improve the way passengers, freight and vehicles are transported within Newfoundland and Labrador.

The successful proponent will be required to provide a newer ferry that can transport more passengers, vehicles and freight than the MV Apollo, which is currently providing the services, and provide the same number of trips on each route. The vessel must also be a minimum 1A ice-class.

The RFP requires proponents to increase the number of passenger-vehicles it transports from 85 vehicles to 120 vehicles and the number of passengers from 250 to 300. The contract will be 12 years in length and will have an option for extension.

The deadline to submit proposals is July 6, 2018. The contract is expected to be awarded in September for service to begin in in March 2019.

A RFP for ferry services in northern Labrador will be issued next week.

Issuing the RFP to continue ferry services across the Strait of Belle Isle delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and deliver better services for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.

Quotes
“Our government is committed to providing ferry services that meet the needs of businesses and residents in a way that is responsible to all taxpayers. By increasing capacity on this route for passengers, vehicles and freight, our government will provide the best service possible across the Strait of Belle Isle.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Transportation and Works

“The Strait of Belle Isle ferry service provides a critical transportation link for many communities in Labrador, benefitting residents and visitors alike. While other options like a fixed link are being reviewed, I’m delighted to be a part of a government that is taking action to improve services right now by bringing in a newer vessel with increased capacity.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
MHA for Cartwright – L’Anse au Clair and Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Learn more
The Way Forward 

Marine Services – www.tw.gov.nl.ca/ferryservices/

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL  and @TW_GovNL 

Media contacts
Rod Drover
Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 730-4607
rodneycdrover@gov.nl.ca

Kristina George
Government Members Office
709-729-5306
kristinageorge@gov.nl.ca

2018 05 11 5:05 pm