(With link to video) The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Government has awarded Damen Shipyards a contract for a second 80 m Ice Class ferry, a few weeks after placing an order for its first vessel.
The vessel will serve the Fogo Island-Change Islands. This second order is for an identical vessel but it will be deployed between Bell Island and Portugal Cove-St. Philip's. Read more about the first order here.
Scheduled for delivery in February 2016, the 14-knot ro-ro ferry will be able to carry up to 200 passengers and 60 vehicles.
Vessel Renewal Programme
The investment in the new ferry is part of the Government’s vessel renewal programme and will expand capacity on the route by replacing the MV Beaumont Hamel. The MV Flanders will continue to serve Bell Island alongside the new ferry.
The province previously announced plans to spend $10 million on the necessary wharf upgrades to accommodate the new vessel.
A short video about the new ferry is available at The Telegram website.
