New MV Legionnaire ferry launched at Damen Shipyards in Romania

Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador Transportation and Works Minister David Brazil has launched a new ferry, the MV Legionnaire, at Damen Shipyards in Romania.

The new 80m long ice-class ferry, which is now in the final stage of construction, will service Bell Island and is expected to arrive in the province in the spring of 2016.

Brazil said: "The launch ceremony for the MV Legionnaire in Romania is a significant milestone in the construction of this new state-of-the-art vessel.

"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."

Designed with roll-on, roll-off capability and to provide a more enjoyable passenger experience, the new vessel will accommodate up to 200 passengers and 60 vehicles.

The ferry is being developed to have increased capacity to be able to operate in challenging ice conditions.

The MV Legionnaire is being built as part of efforts to renew and upgrade the provincial ferry fleet, which has already put into service two new ferries.

More than 900,000 passengers, 400,000 vehicles and 20,000t of freight are transported by the provincial fleet of ferries across more than 50,000 arrivals and departures every year.