More vehicle capacity coming with ferry bought for P.E.I.-Nova Scotia crossing
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The ferry being bought to quickly change the MV Vacation Island between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia in 2024 could have nearly the identical automobile capability because the MV Confederation.
After a rocky summer season for the Wooden Islands-Caribou ferry service, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced Aug. 23 that Transport Canada intends to buy a Norwegian ferry so as to guarantee two vessels function throughout the crossing subsequent summer season.
The 16-year-old MV Fanafjord can carry 600 passengers and 212 autos.
The Vacation Island was knocked out of service for good in July 2022 following an engine room fireplace.
Transport Canada changed it with the MV Saaremaa, which had the capability for 600 passengers and 110 autos.
The Fanafjord is anticipated to reach on Could 1, 2024, and act because the second vessel on the crossing till a brand new vessel is constructed. Transport Canada says that shall be in 2028.
Mark Wilson, senior vice-president of Northumberland Ferries Ltd., which is contracted the run the ferry service for Transport Canada, informed SaltWire on Aug. 24 that the corporate is supportive of the federal authorities’s dedication to supply an efficient resolution for a two-ship ferry service.
“The ferry service total represents a major authorities funding,’’ Wilson mentioned in an e-mail. “The vessel shall be an excellent addition to the route because of its measurement, carrying capability, facilities, velocity, maneuverability and sea-keeping traits. We’re assured it should complement the MV Confederation.’’
“The vessel shall be an excellent addition to the route because of its measurement, carrying capability, facilities, velocity, maneuverability and sea retaining traits.” – Mark Wilson, senior vice-president of Northumberland Ferries Ltd.
In a telephone dialog on Aug. 24, Wilson mentioned there was not rather more he might say as a result of Public Providers and Procurement Canada, on behalf of Transport Canada, has printed an advance contract award discover to sign the federal government’s intention to buy the Fanafjord.
The contract award discover basically identifies that the federal authorities believes it has discovered an answer to the two-ferry service, nevertheless it does depart open the likelihood that one other resolution could also be discovered.
There’s a 15-day window for somebody to provide that resolution.
Meaning the deal will not be finalized by procurement coverage requirements.
Wilson did say that alterations to the docks at Wooden Islands and Caribou wouldn’t be mandatory.
The Fanafjord will be capable to use the identical dock utilized by the Confederation.
Belfast-Murray River MLA Darlene Compton mentioned in a press release on Aug. 23 that it’s welcome information to the folks, companies and communities that depend on the ferry service.
Compton mentioned the necessity for a brand new vessel has been recognized for at the very least six years when it was famous within the 2017 Wooden Islands Process Drive Report.
“I want it hadn’t taken years for good concepts like this to take root however I’m glad that they lastly have,’’ Compton mentioned. “In reality, this very vessel might have been bought as early as 2016 so numerous anxiousness and financial hardship might have been averted had the federal authorities acted with better urgency sooner.’’
Transport Canada has not mentioned what it’s paying for the Fanafjord however the ship is listed on J. Gran and Firm AG Shipbuilders in Norway as being bought for 14 million Euros, which is about $20.5 million Canadian.
The Fanafjord, which presently runs on an LNG-burning primary engine, shall be transformed to satisfy the emission requirements of the Worldwide Maritime Affiliation.
The ferry will run below diesel-electric propulsion and be made prepared for electrical battery know-how.
At a look
Following is the comparability between the ferries that operated for Northumberland Ferries Ltd. within the final two years and the vessel that’s being bought to function in 2024:
- MV Vacation Island – Capability for 399 passengers, 155 autos.
- MV Confederation – Capability for 600 passengers, 220 autos.
- MV Saaremaa 1 – Capability for 600 passengers, 110 autos.
- MV Fanafjord – Capability for 600 passengers, 212 autos.
Dave Stewart is a well being reporter with SaltWire in Prince Edward Island. He may be reached by e-mail at [email protected] and adopted on X @DveStewart.
