New Brunswick ferry service upgrade

The New Brunswick department of transportation in Canada has issued a request for qualifications for the operation of vehicle passenger ferry services to the islands of Grand Manan and White Head. The project will include the design, supply and financing of a ro-ro replacement for the current ferry, Grand Manan, and a car ferry to replace the White Head vessel Lady White Head.

The new Grand Manan ferry will have a length of 95 metres and hold 101 cars while the new White Head Islands ferry will have a 12 car capacity, a four-car increase over the current ferry.

The successful proponent will take responsibility for both ferry services in the spring of 2009 which will include responsibility for the operation, maintenance and refit of both the existing ferries and the newbuildings and the operation and maintenance of the terminals. Completion of the new Grand Manan vessel is planned for late 2009 and the White Head vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2011.