Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, has announced that the Government of Canada awarded a $38.56 million contract to Nye Fanafjord AS to purchase the motor vessel (MV) Fanafjord to replace the MV Holiday Island until its successor is built and ready to enter into service.

The MV Fanafjord is expected to enter into service during the 2024 operating season and will serve as an interim replacement solution to ensure a reliable, predictable and safe two-vessel ferry service between Wood Islands and Caribou that meets the needs of the communities.

Last summer, the MV Holiday Island, one of two ferries providing service between Prince Edward Island (PEI) and Nova Scotia, was removed from service due to an onboard fire that resulted in catastrophic damage to the vessel.  

Longer term, the Government of Canada will build two new ferries, including the permanent replacement of the MV Holiday Island, at Chantier Davie Canada Inc. Design work for the new vessel is already underway, with delivery expected as early as 2028.

This announcement follows an Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) published on August 23, 2023. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that all federal contracts are awarded through a fair, open and transparent competitive procurement process. The ACAN allowed other interested suppliers 15 days to submit a statement of capabilities demonstrating they met Transport Canada’s minimum operational requirements. No other suppliers were able to demonstrate that they meet these requirements.

(Photo from JGRAN & Co Shipbrokers)