By
Rebecca Gibson |
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada took delivery of an 80m ice-class, ro-pax ferry from Romania’s Damen Shipyards Galati on 23 October.
Launched by the shipyard this March, MV Veteran will replace the 40-year old MV Earl Windsor on the Fogo Island-Change Islands route before the end of November. Her sister ship, MV Legionnaire, was launched at Damen’s Romanian shipyard in July 2015 and is scheduled to replace the 30-year old MV Beaumont Hamel on the Portugal Cove-Bell Island route in spring 2016. Both vessels are part of a large ‘lifeline’ vessel replacement programme being undertaken by the Provincial Government.
“The arrival of the MV Veteran is a proud moment for our province and the residents of Fogo Island and Change Islands,” said Paul Davis, Premier of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Designed by Canadian company Fleetway and Danish architect Knud E. Hansen, both ferries will be able to transport up to 60 cars and 200 passengers, and cruise at a speed of 14 knots. Each ferry also has 15 single crew cabins and a modern, low maintenance interior designed by an ‘internationally recognised’ designer.
The ferries are powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system and a redundant system, and have an Ice Class 1A Super certificate.
“These highly durable ferries can handle the impact of 40cm thick floating ice at 4 knots,” said Jan van Hogerwou, manager of Damen North America. “Their rudders, hull and propellers have been strengthened and are outfitted with extra plate thickness for heavy winter conditions.”
Damen is also working with a Newfoundland-based company to build a certified maintenance centre and support hub for the two ferries in St. John’s. To be operational when the vessels start service, the centre will be staffed by the Newfoundland-based company’s employees, who are currently being trained at Damen Shipyards Galati.
“This service hub is the start of Damen’s presence in Newfoundland, which Damen hopes to grow in order to become a substantial economic motor, taking into account vessel replacement projects that have to be launched,” said Hogerwou.