New provincial ferries

The Newfoundland and Labrador government in Canada has awarded long-awaited contracts to replace two of the vessels in its aging domestic ferry fleet. The $50.5-million contract will be managed by Peter Kiewit Sons Co who will build the hulls at the Marystown shipyard while outfitting has been subcontracted to the Clarenville Drydock Ltd. Each of the ice-strengthened ferries will measure 42 metres in length and accommodate 16 cars and 80 passengers. The first delivery to the province is scheduled for the end of 2009 and the second in spring 2010.

The new ferries will have roll-on, roll-off capability with enclosed bows, enabling traffic to exit and enter through the bow and stern. As per recent government policy, each ferry will be equipped with voyage data recorders and AIS.