
Transportation Minister Elvis Loveless attended the event held in Ontario on Tuesday (September 2), which was hosted by Federal Transportation Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Four ferries operating in this province are nearing 40 years of age and at a recent summit the need for fleet renewal to continue service was highlighted. Transportation Minister Elvis Loveless attended the event held in Ontario on Tuesday (September 2), which was hosted by Federal Transportation Minister Chrystia Freeland. The provincial government is open to considering a number of options to help sustain the ferry system, including new builds, retrofits, leases and contracts. In July, a request for information (RFI) was issued looking for interest from vendors to provide an additional suitable swing vessel for the province. The RFI, which closes tomorrow (September 5) is also looking for market input on available options and potential timelines.
Minister Loveless also discussed the need to explore the benefits of using smaller ferries for better accessibility and efficiency for communities that rely on the service. He also discussed the potential for hybrid and electric ferries, as well as the capacity for ferry building within Newfoundland and Labrador.