A scaled model of the hull for a new medium-sized, passenger-vehicle ferry, designed by Poseidon Marine Consultants Limited, was tested in ice by Oceanic Consulting Corp. The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, viewed the demonstration, along with members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities (NLFM) Ferry Users Committee.

The four-metre model was towed by carriage through the institute�s 90-metre ice tank, which is the longest of its kind in the world. In various simulated conditions, specialized equipment captured photos and video footage of the model in ice and critical aspects of vessel resistance and propulsion were measured.

"This testing ensures we have the best and most efficient hull form that we can provide on these vessels," said Minister Hickey. "Fuel consumption, comfort for passengers and of course, operation in ice, will be assessed and improved where necessary, using the observations and results from these tests."

As part of its Vessel Replacement Strategy, the Williams Government announced in Budget 2007 that it will invest $15 million to begin construction of two new ferries this year. Both vessels will cost nearly $25 million and will create approximately 330,000 person hours of employment. Government also plans to build another three vessels over the next five years.

In addition to investing in ferry construction, in Budget 2007 the Williams Government injected $10.3 million for refits of government-owned ferry vessels and $5 million for maintenance and capital construction of terminals and wharfs. Also, as part of Budget 2007, the Provincial Government announced in March it will invest $1.5 million to reduce ferry rates, bringing them in line with road equivalency.

In the coming weeks, additional testing of the new ferry will be conducted to assess vessel performance in various open-water conditions. Minister Hickey pointed out that this testing will also serve as a guideline for the design of future vessels.

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2007 05 01                                                     2:10 p.m.