Transportation and Works
August 22, 2014
Supporting Safe, Reliable, and Sustainable Regional Infrastructure
Keel Laying Marks an Important Milestone in the Construction of the New Fogo Island and Change Islands Ferry
The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Transportation and Works, was joined today by residents of Fogo Island and Change Islands to celebrate the keel laying of the new $51 million ferry that will be delivered in September 2015.
“The laying of the keel marks a significant milestone toward the introduction of the new $51 million ferry that will service Fogo Island and Change Islands. There is a sense of excitement among residents as we look ahead to the arrival of the new, modern and capable ferry which will begin servicing the area in just over a year from now. This ferry supports our vision for safe, reliable and sustainable ferry service in rural areas of the province.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Transportation and Works
The new ferry will be an 80-metre ice-class vessel that has roll-on, roll-off capability and will accommodate up to 200 passengers and 60 vehicles. As a brand new vessel, the ferry will also provide a more reliable passenger experience and will have increased capacity for operating in challenging ice conditions.
“With the keel laying, we have now entered a vital phase in the construction of a new $51 million ferry for the residents of Fogo Island and Change Islands. The new vessel will be modern, customized, state-of-the-art and will ensure an enhanced experience for residents and passengers. The ferry’s arrival in September 2015 will be a momentous occasion for Fogo Island and Change Islands and we look forward to it with great anticipation.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and MHA for The Isles of Notre Dame
Laying the keel formally signifies the start of construction and is traditionally celebrated. A video of the August 20, 2014 keel laying event at Damen Shipyards in Romania, where the ferry is being built, was broadcast at today’s event on Fogo Island for all to view and enjoy. The video can be accessed at //youtu.be/1YzNK8bRoKM
“Fogo Islanders are delighted that the new ferry is under construction and will begin service in 2015 and this is an important and critical component of the Comprehensive Transportation Strategy that we have developed for Fogo Island. The new ferry will support our contemporary rural community, our growing economy and the business and leisure travel needs of our people. The new ferry will also support our blossoming tourist industry that welcomes people from the other three corners of the world.”
- Andrew Shea, Mayor of Fogo Island
To support the new ferry, the Provincial Government has invested over $4 million in wharf improvements which will ensure that Fogo Island and Change Islands will be well-equipped to receive the new ferry.
“In 1968 the first vehicle arrived on Change islands via ferry. We have come a long way since then and Change Islands residents are looking forward to all the benefits this modern vessel will bring to our island. We are grateful to all those who have worked to make this happen.”
- Stephen Brinson, Mayor of Change Islands
Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes $71.5 million for ferry vessel replacement and ongoing maintenance and $8.5 million for improvements to marine terminals and wharfs. These investments are a part of a multi-year initiative to replace and upgrade marine infrastructure.
QUICK FACTS
- Minister McGrath was joined today by residents of Fogo Island and Change Islands to celebrate the keel laying for the region’s new ferry which is being built at Damen Shipyards in Romania.
- This is a major milestone in the construction of the new $51 million ferry that will begin service in September 2015.
- The Provincial Government delivers ferry service to 23 communities and 41 terminal ports.
- In 2013-14, the Provincial Government invested $88 million in provincial ferry services and received $6.5 million in ferry paid revenue.
-30-
Media contact:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Deborah Chaulk Constituency Assistant to Honourable Derrick Dalley, MHA for the Isles of Notre Dame 709-884-1226 DeborahChaulk@gov.nl.ca |
| Stephen Brinson Mayor of Change Islands 709-621-4181 townclerk@changeislands.ca |
Andrew Shea Mayor of Fogo Island 709-266-1320 info@townoffogoisland.ca |
2014 08 22 3:50 p.m.