Canada to contract with Davie for two new ferries

The following is text of a news release from Transport Canada:

(OTTAWA) — Canadians in eastern Quebec and Atlantic Canada, as well as tourists and businesses, rely on safe and efficient ferry services to support vibrant and sustainable communities and economies.

On Friday, it was announced the government of Canada will issue an advance contract award notice (ACAN), signaling its intention to enter into a contract with Chantier Davie of Levis, Quebec, for the construction of two new ferries for Transport Canada. This ensures a fair, competitive process allowing any supplier with a comparable option to also submit a proposal before a contract is awarded.

The government of Canada conducted industry analysis, which concluded that Chantier Davie is the only known Canadian shipyard with the capacity, recent experience and capability to build these ferries in the required timeframe.

The new ferries will replace M/V Madeleine, which is currently used for service between Iles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, and Souris, Prince Edward Island (PEI), and M/V Holiday Island, one of two vessels used to provide service between Wood Islands, PEI, and Caribou, Nova Scotia. Both vessels are nearing the end of their life cycle.

The ACAN confirms Canada’s intention to enter into a contract with Chantier Davie. Other interested suppliers will have 15 calendar days to submit a statement of capabilities to show they meet the requirements laid out in the ACAN.

The construction of these two new ferries will create skilled, well-paying jobs for our marine industry.

Quick facts

• Through the Ferry Services Contribution Program, the federal government provides funding to private operators to support three interprovincial ferry services in Eastern Canada.
• The three services, delivered by four vessels owned by the government of Canada, referred to as the Eastern Canada Ferry Services, operate between Iles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, and Souris, PEI; Wood Islands, PEI, and Caribou, Nova Scotia; and Saint John, New Brunswick, and Digby, Nova Scotia.

Budget 2019 committed to replace two of the ferries as well as extending the Ferry Services Contribution Program for another two years, until March 31, 2022.

By Professional Mariner Staff