Transportation and Works
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
April 4, 2011

Contracts Awarded for Labrador Marine Service

Great Lakes Feeder Lines and CAI Marine Inc. have been awarded multi-year contracts for the provision of passenger, vehicle and freight services for the Labrador marine service. Tenders for the provision of these services were issued earlier this year.

“These two companies were the successful bidders on four tenders called in January, and we are confident in their abilities to provide an improved marine service to the people of this province and those on the North Coast of Labrador in particular,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. “Through these contracts, we hope to provide the best possible service to residents and businesses using these services.”

Great Lake Feeder Lines has been awarded a five-year contract to supply and operate a freight vessel to serve the North Coast of Labrador from Lewisporte and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The company will provide this service using the MV Dutch Runner. This vessel is newer and has greater freight capacity than its predecessor, the MV Astron.

CAI Marine Inc. will operate the MV Northern Ranger and provide shore-based administration services, including ticketing and reservation services and shore-based freight handling, through two five-year contracts. The company has also been awarded a three-year contract to operate the MV Sir Robert Bond.

“I am pleased to see that these contracts have been awarded to allow the successful companies to get ready for the upcoming shipping season,” said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. “We look forward to working with the new service providers as we continue to meet the needs of people using these services.”

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2011 04 04                                                            10:50 p.m.