News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

---

PM officially unveils the MV Blue Puttees ferry

February 11, 2011
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today officially unveiled the MV Blue Puttees ferry which will improve the flow of people and goods across the Cabot Strait between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Our Government understands how important the ferry connection to the mainland is to the people and the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Prime Minister Harper. "The new ferry will carry more people, vehicles and freight…and will provide more comfort and amenities for travellers."

The MV Blue Puttees, which will be in service by the end of February, is the first of two vessels chartered by Marine Atlantic Inc. – the federal Crown corporation operating the ferries. The second vessel, the MV Highlanders, is expected to be in service this spring.

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.

The new ferries will be equipped to carry up to 1,000 passengers and crew, more than 500 standard-sized automobiles, and approximately 50 per cent more freight than the vessels they are replacing, while providing more comfort and amenities for travellers.

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.

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.

The unveiling of the MV Blue Puttees vessel is part of the Harper Government's commitment to renew Marine Atlantic Inc.'s fleet and shore facilities.

---

The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Manage my subscriptions | Unsubscribe]