Next step taken in acquisition of new vessel for Marine Atlantic
Marine Atlantic announced Tuesday that two companies, Stena North Sea Ltd. and Rederi AB Gotland, have been shortlisted to move to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage to supply a new vessel for the Marine Atlantic fleet.
The new vessel will be a ropax design with the ability to carry commercial freight and offer passenger amenities.
A news release states that more details about the vessel particulars such as size, design features and technical specifications will be presented once a contract has been entered into with the successful proponent.
The new vessel is expected to enter service in fiscal year 2023-2024.
“We are pleased to be another step closer to procuring our new vessel for our fleet and customers,” Gary O’brien interim/acting chair of Marine Atlantic's board of directors.
“With the government of Canada’s support, this will be the first time in over 30 years that Marine Atlantic has had the opportunity to engage in this type of procurement opportunity. We look forward to working with the two shortlisted companies as we move through the next stage of this process.”
Marine Atlantic is a Canadian Crown Corporation tasked with fulfilling the constitutional mandate of offering freight and passenger service between the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. The corporation reports to the federal minister of Transport.
“Marine Atlantic is an essential service that is vital to the supply chain of Newfoundland and Labrador, a fact that has been reinforced as we confront the challenges associated with the COVID19 pandemic,” Murray Hupman, president and CEO of Marine Atlantic, said.
“The introduction of a new, purpose-built vessel for our service will further strengthen our infrastructure and better meet the changing needs of both our passenger and commercial customers. We are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and continuing to meet our essential mandate.”