Transportation and Works
February 16, 2007

Province Looking for Shipyard to Build New Ferries

Government�s Vessel Replacement Strategy is going full steam ahead with the announcement today that the Department of Transportation and Works is issuing a Request for Expressions of Interest from shipbuilding contractors within the province to build and supply two new auto-passenger ferries for the intra-provincial service.

"Our plan to build these two new ferries is the first stage of our Vessel Replacement Strategy," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works. "Furthermore, it reflects our Blueprint commitment to build these new vessels right here in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Government anticipates the total cost of the two ferries will be approximately $25 million and will create approximately 330,000 person hours of employment.

"We will have skilled Newfoundlanders and Labradorians employed in shipbuilding and related work and that activity will strengthen the province�s economy," Minister Hickey said. "This investment will result in an improved and more reliable transportation network for the residents of the province who rely on ferry services in their day-to-day lives."

The vessel concepts have been completed and final designs are being actively developed. Government expects contracts for vessel construction to be awarded this summer and the newly constructed vessels will enter service in 2008. One vessel will feature capacity for 6-10 cars and 50 passengers (day seating only), while the other vessel will hold 16-20 cars and 80-100 passengers (day seating only).

Government invested $300 million during this fiscal year in infrastructure, of which $171 million was earmarked for transportation infrastructure. Approximately 97 per cent of this investment in transportation infrastructure was targeted outside the Northeast Avalon region.

A copy of the EOI maybe obtained from the address below, or by e-mailing dawek@gov.nl.ca

Submissions are to be forwarded to the address below and will be received up to 12:00 noon (NST) March 16, 2007:

Deputy Minister
Department of Transportation and Works
c/o Tendering and Contracts
Ground Floor, East Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St. John�s, NL A1B 4J6
Telephone: 709-729-3786
Facsimile: 709-729-6729

-30-

Media contact:
David Salter
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 691-3577
davidsalter@gov.nl.ca
 

2007 02 16                                                 2:30 p.m.
 


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