Transportation and Works
September 24, 2015
Enhancing Marine Transportation to Meet the Needs of Residents
Provincial Government Issues Request for Expressions of Interest for Marine Ferry Services
A Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) is being issued by the Provincial Government to explore options for the delivery of ferry services on the south coast of the island portion of the province and the south coast of Labrador. The REOI calls for the management of the ferry services under a single contract.
"The Request for Expressions of Interest is the result of work that our government has been conducting to find a model of service that is safe, reliable, sustainable and affordable, for the south coast of the island portion of the province and the south coast of Labrador. Exploring options for service delivery is about finding the most effective model that best meets the needs of ferry users and we are committed to maintaining a service that will benefit residents for years to come."
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works
The service model will include a single contract for the services required including the provision of vessels and the necessary resources for operation. This could be done through new builds, purchases, charters or sub-contracts for vessels. Upon review of the Request for Expressions of Interest received, a Request for Proposals will be developed.
The REOI reflects services for the ports of La Poile, Grey River, Francois, McCallum, Gaultois, Rencontre East, South East Bight, Norman's Bay and William's Harbour with total annual traffic of just over 34, 000 passengers.
The Department of Transportation and Works has already been in discussions with ferry users regarding options for a new service model managed by a single contractor, and will continue these discussions throughout this REOI process. A copy of the REOI can be obtained by contacting Government Tendering and Contracts, Ground Floor, Confederation Building - East Block, or by calling 709-729-3786.
High quality transportation infrastructure is integral to the social and economic growth of Newfoundland and Labrador, which are key elements of the recently launched Population Growth Strategy. For more information on the strategy visit homeforgoodnl.ca 
.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) to explore options for the delivery of ferry services on the south coast of the island portion of the province and the south coast of Labrador.
- The REOI calls for the management of the ferry services for these areas under a single contract. The service model will include a single contract for the services required including the provision of vessels and the necessary resources for operation.
- Great strides have been made to renew and modernize the provincial ferry fleet with two new ferries already delivering service. Annually, the provincial fleet of ferries transports more than 900,000 passengers, 400,000 vehicles, and 20,000 tonnes of freight across more than 50,000 arrivals and departures. It is among the largest provincial marine fleets in the county.
- 30 -
Media contact:
| Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 689-2624 jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca |
2015 09 24 2:10 p.m.