Damen launches second of two ferries for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
The second of two 80-metre ice class Ro-Pax ferries - the MV Legionnaire - has been launched at Damen Shipyards Galati, Romania. The naming was performed by Mrs. Lori Anne Companion, Deputy Minister at the Department of Transportation and Works of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
The MV Legionnaire is sister ship to the MV Veteran, launched earlier this year at the Romanian yard. Both vessels are part of a large vessel replacement programme being undertaken by the Provincial Government.
Ship's general characteristics: LOA - 81 metres, beam - 17 metres, capacity - up to 200 passengers and 60 cars (PAE), cruising speed - 14 knots. MV Legionnaire will operate on the short-haul route from Portugal Cove to Bell Island, the busiest route of the province.
In his speech at the launch the Hon. Mr. David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works, said, “This launching brings a new home to the water. It is a significant milestone in the ship build process and a great achievement. It is a lifeline to the inhabitants of Bell Island and will play a significant role in people’s lives there for decades.” The vessel will be delivered to Newfoundland in the spring of 2016.
Meanwhile Damen is continuing to increase its presence in the province with plans for a certified service and maintenance centre in the capital of St. John’s now well advanced. Damen representatives also recently attended student career days at Newfoundland and Labrador’s Memorial University.
Damen Shipyards Group operates 32 ship- and repair yards, employing 8,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 5,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers approximately 180 vessels annually to customers worldwide. Damen specializes in the construction of a wide range of products, including: tugs, workboats, naval and patrol vessels, high-speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, vessels for the offshore industry, ferries, pontoons and super yachts. Besides, Damen offers a variety of marine components, especially nozzles, (flap-type) rudders, steering gear, anchors, anchor chains and steel works. In addition to ship design and shipbuilding, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion offers a network of 16 repair and conversion yards worldwide, with dry docks ranging up to 420 x 80 metres. Conversion projects range from adapting vessels to meet today’s requirements and regulations to the complete conversion of large offshore structures. DS&C handles 1,500 repair and maintenance jobs annually.
