FREDERICTON (CNB) – The Grand Manan V is expected to return to service on Saturday, June 11, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams announced today.
The Grand Manan V, which is the regular vessel providing ferry service between Blacks Harbour and Grand Manan, experienced mechanical difficulties and some structural damage while docking on Wednesday, May 18.
Staff with Coastal Transport Ltd., which maintains the Grand Manan ferry service, made the necessary repairs so that the vessel could travel to a dry dock.
"As of this morning, the Grand Manan V is now in dry dock at Les Méchins, Que.," said Williams. "Crews at the Groupe Maritime Verreault shipyard will repair damage to the hull plates and structural members, and we anticipate the ferry will return to service in Blacks Harbour on June 11."
While the Grand Manan V is being repaired, the MV Grand Manan has been called into service and is transporting vehicles and passengers on five runs per day, one more run than the regular schedule.
"Our government understands the challenges this situation presents for the people of Grand Manan," said Williams. "We are pursuing every option to ensure we meet the needs of the travelling public and the commercial interests of Grand Manan businesses.
"I thank the public for its patience, and in particular the team at Coastal Transport and the Department of Transportation for their swift action in returning the MV Grand Manan to service.
For further information on the schedule of the Grand Manan ferry service, contact Coastal Transport Ltd. at 506-662-3724 or check online.
LINK:
● Coastal Transport Ltd.: www.coastaltransport.ca
24-05-11