Province to Modernize Ferry Fleet

Nova Scotia began to modernize its ferry fleet today, May 15, with the announcement of a new $4 million car ferry to be built at the Halifax Shipyard.

Michael Baker, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, cut the first steel panel for the vessel, marking the start of the project.

Once completed, the ferry will carry 24 cars and 95 passengers. Completion is expected by December 2003.

"A modern and efficient ferry network is vital to Nova Scotians," said Mr. Baker. "It moves goods and people safely and efficiently, which helps our economy and our rural communities."

"This is great news and we appreciate the province's vote of confidence in the shipbuilding skill of the men and women at the Halifax Shipyard," said Andrew McArthur, vice chairman of Irving Shipbuilding Inc. "This project will employ 45 people at peak construction, generating $1.2 million in payroll for the local economy."

Construction of the ferry is also expected to generate approximately $1 million in the purchase of goods and services from Nova Scotia suppliers. It is the 90th ship to be built at the Halifax Shipyard.

The new ferry is expected to replace the Joshua Slocum and service Route 217 on Digby Neck, Digby Co.

In 1974, the Slocum carried 38,000 vehicles a year; that number has now skyrocketed to 96,000 a year, mainly as a result of increased tourism.

NOTE: A backgrounder on ferry construction and ferry service in Nova Scotia follows:

• Cost of the new ferry is $4 million to build and outfit.

• The new ferry will be 42 metres in length (54.5 metres with ramps extended) and 12.8 metres wide.

• The ferry will carry 24 cars, 95 passengers and four crew. It is wheelchair accessible.

• It is powered by two 540 horsepower Caterpillar engines.

• Vessel speed is about 10 knots.

• It is equipped with a four-person rescue boat and three 38- person lifeboats.

• Construction is expected to employ 45 shipyard workers at peak and generate 40,000 person hours of employment, $1.2 million in payroll and about $1 million in the purchase of goods and services from Nova Scotia suppliers.

• There are seven operating ferries in the Department of Transportation and Public Works fleet, plus two spares: four cable and five self-propelled.

• The ferries are part of the provincial transportation network. The cable ferries are located at: LaHave; Country Harbour, Little Narrows; and Englishtown. The self-propelled ferries are located at: Tancook, Petit Passage and Grand Passage.

• Petit and Grand Passage are serviced by the Joe Casey and Joshua Slocum ferries. The Slocum was built in 1974. The ferries are powered by two diesel 400 horsepower CAT engines.