Romania-based Damen Shipyards hosted a launching ceremony on July 15th for the MV Legionnaire, a new ferry for Bell Island, which is now entering the final stage of construction. “The MV Legionnaire will soon become an integral part of our transportation network in Newfoundland and Labrador, and will significantly improve our ability to deliver more reliable service to residents and businesses on Bell Island. This vessel is a prime example of our government’s commitment to enhancing marine ferry services for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians”, said the Honourable David Brazil, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Transportation and Works , who attended the launching ceremony.
The new ferry will be an 80-metre ice-class vessel that has roll-on, roll-off capability and will accommodate up to 200 passengers and 60 vehicles. The ferry will also provide a more enjoyable passenger experience and will have increased capacity for operating in challenging ice conditions.
The MV Legionnaire has been part of major efforts to renew and modernize the provincial ferry fleet, with two new ferries already delivering service. Annually, the provincial fleet of ferries transports more than 900,000 passengers, 400,000 vehicles and 20,000 tonnes of freight across more than 50,000 arrivals and departures.