New ro-pax ferry will be operated by Canada's Newfoundland and Labrador government from 2016
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania has launched the second of two 80m ice-class, ro-pax ferries, which will be operated by the government of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada.
MV Legionnaire was launched by Lori Anne Companion, deputy minister at the Department of Transportation and Works of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Due to launch in early 2016, MV Legionnaire will operate on the short-haul route from Portugal Cove to Bell Island, the busiest route in the Newfoundland and Labrador province.
“This launching brings a new home to the water and it is a significant milestone in the ship build process and a great achievement,” said David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works. “It is a lifeline to the inhabitants of Bell Island and will play a significant role in people’s lives there for decades.”
MV Legionnaire’s sister ship – MV Veteran – was launched at the Galati yard in April and is due to enter service in autumn 2015.
Designed by Canadian company Fleetway and Danish architect Knud E. Hansen, both of the ferries will be able to transport up to 60 cars and 200 passengers, and cruise at a speed of 14 knots. Both vessels are part of a large vessel replacement programme being undertaken by the Provincial Government.