Damen will deliver two new vessels to Collectivité de Saint Pierre et Miquelon to operate between the two Islands and Fortune in Canada at the end of 2017.
The two new RoPax vessels will open geographical and economical access, and improve inter-island passenger and cargo movement.
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The tender for the construction of the Mixt ferries was launched by Collectivité de Saint Pierre et Miquelon last year.
Damen Shipyards Group was selected for construction of the ferries in 2015 and a loan agreement with Rabobank was signed at the beginning of the year.
The project was launched last month in Paris.
In cooperation with Collectivité de Saint Pierre et Miquelon, Damen-designed fast RoPax 5510 ferries that will be 55m long and 11m wide, with a capacity to carry 192 passengers and crew, three trucks or 18 cars, motorcycles and cargo.
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By GlobalDataCollectivité de Saint Pierre et Miquelon is a new customer for Damen.
As the French islands are situated some 25 miles from Fortune, the high-speed capability of the RoPax5510 ensures crossing in just over one hour.
Collectivité representative said: "The construction of the ferries for the Collectivité has been subject to a European tendering procedure. Damen has been chosen at the final outcome for a number of reasons, including the technical capacity to meet the requirements of the Collectivité.
"These consist of building capacity, compliance with the specifications, understanding of the project, and capability to execute the mission. Additionally, Damen’s financial capacity makes possible the completion of such deal along with the offering of all necessary warranties.
"Also important were Damen’s willingness and ability to provide answers and information during the tendering process, the company’s quality certification and, of course, tendering in line with the project financing capacities.
Damen regional director for France said: "This design combines a passenger ferry and a fast supply boat. The vessels have the renowned Damen Axe Bow. This first of the ‘5510 Series’ is actually based on more than 150 Axe Bow vessels – a proven design – but it has been lengthened and widened for cargo and cars.
"This pioneering design is a result of a very close cooperation between Damen’s Ferry and High-Speed Craft departments, as well as with the client."
The two vessels will be operated by Régie des Transport Maritimes and will sail to Saint Pierre et Miquelon under their own keel from Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania.
The new ferries will be IMO, EPA, MARPOL and Transport Canada compliant.
Image: The fast RoPax 5510 ferries will be 55m long and 11m wide with a capacity to carry 192 passengers and crew. Photo: courtesy of Damen Shipyards Group.
