Common menu bar links
The MV Blue Puttees ferry
11 February 2011
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
The Harper Government is committed to building and improving the infrastructure that Canadian communities and regions need to prosper and grow. As part of this effort, our Government is helping modernize Atlantic Canada’s transportation system as well as improve vital infrastructure that will enhance the competitiveness of regional businesses and strengthen their position within the global economy. The vessel being unveiled today, the MV Blue Puttees, is the first of two vessels being brought into service as part of Marine Atlantic Inc’s revitalization plan. Our Government is supporting this initiative through our five-year $521-million commitment to renew Marine Atlantic Inc’s fleet and shore facilities at North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Port aux Basques and Argentia, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The MV Blue Puttees and the second vessel, the MV Highlanders, will significantly enhance Marine Atlantic Inc’s ability to provide on-time, reliable service between North Sydney and Newfoundland and Labrador. The new vessels will also help meet increasing demand for ferry transport across the Cabot Strait. Marine Atlantic Inc. is chartering both vessels from Stena Line, based in Sweden.
The ferries, which were built in 2006 and 2007 respectively, offer: improved seating capacity (up to 1,000 passengers and crew); improved fuel consumption; capacity to carry more than 500 standard-sized automobiles; added bow doors and a ramp; and large open areas on the top deck facilitating the transportation of goods.
In addition to meeting growing transportation demands, the new vessels will have less impact on the environment through reduced CO2 emissions, improved wastewater handling and increased overall fuel efficiency.
In 2009, an estimated 27 per cent of all passengers, 50 per cent of all freight, and 90 per cent of all perishable goods between the Island of Newfoundland and the Canadian mainland were carried by Marine Atlantic.
The vessel names are a tribute to the men and women who have served with the Newfoundland Regiment - nicknamed the "Blue Puttees" - and the Cape Breton Highlanders.
Both vessels will replace two older and smaller ferries, which will be retired from Marine Atlantic Inc.’s service – the MV Caribou and the MV Joseph and Clara Smallwood.
