Dutch company Damen’s shipyard in Galati launched on Wednesday the new MV Legionnaire ferry commissioned by Canadian representatives of Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, local media announced.
According to yard spokesperson, Corina Parvu, this ship is the second of its kind, which was built in south eastern Romania for Canadians. Initially, the new ferry was scheduled to arrive in February 2016, cbc.ca informs.
The vessels are built in cooperation with Damen Shipyard Bergum in the Netherlands, which provides the design and major equipment, their construction and completion being carried out in Galati.
“The main destination of the ship is for transporting people, both locals and tourists as well as vehicles between Bell Island and Portugal Cove located on the east coast of Canada. This will double the transport capacity of the ships in service on this route, contributing to the economic growth and tourism development in the area,” Parvu said.
The Bell Island ferry service is the busiest in the province, carrying more than 530,000 passengers annually and close to 250,000 vehicles. The province has named the new boat the MV Legionnaire, in honour of the country’s veterans and the 100th anniversary of the First World War.
The MV Legionnaire is 80.90 metres long with roll-on, roll-off capacity to carry up to 200 passengers and 64 vehicles. The contract is valued at just under USD 50 million.
This year, Galati shipyard will deliver, following last year’s trend, 25 vessels.
“For next year, Damen Galati portfolio is not completed yet, but we have very good prospects to remain on the same number of staff and to keep our production capacity. We are also in discussions for a new yacht,” Florin Spataru ?HR & Corporate Affairs Director at Damen Shipyards Galati said.