Model of NLFM ferry undergoes testing

A scaled model of the hull for a new medium-sized passenger-vehicle ferry, designed by Poseidon Marine Consultants Ltd., was tested today in ice at the Institute for Ocean Technology in St. John?s, Canada, by Oceanic Consulting Corp. Recently, the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities provincial government invested $15 million for the ongoing vessel replacement strategy.

The four-metre model was towed by carriage through the institute?s 90-metre ice tank, which is the longest of its kind in the world. In various simulated conditions, specialized equipment captured photos and video footage of the model in ice and critical aspects of vessel resistance and propulsion were measured.

Construction of two new ferries is expected to begin this year. Both vessels will cost nearly $25 million and will create about 330,000 person hours of employment. Government also plans to build another three vessels over the next five years.

In addition to investing in ferry construction, the provincial government will inject $10.3 million for refits of government-owned ferry vessels and $5 million for maintenance and capital construction of terminals and wharfs. Also, as part of its 2007 budget, the government announced that it will invest $1.5 million to reduce ferry rates, bringing them in line with road equivalent.