FUNDY ISLES (GNB) - Coastal Transport Ltd. of Saint John takes on the operation and maintenance of all ferry services for the Fundy Isles, including Deer Island, on Monday, May 28.
The new contract is for $13.8 million per year, for 15 years.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams made the announcement today.

“Grouping all of the province's coastal ferry services into one will allow for more focused management of this sector,” said Williams. “Coastal Transport is a well-known and respected company. We are confident Deer Island ferry users will continue to receive good quality, reliable, and safe service from the operator.”

The company already operates the Grand Manan and White Head ferries under the Fundy Isles Ferry Service. As part of the new, performance-based contract with the company, the inclusion of the Deer Island ferry service enables the operator to increase business and efficiency and improve the flexibility of its workforce.

A new $4.7 million ferry is expected to be in operation for Deer Island in 2014. Coastal Transport will continue to operate and maintain the current vessels until that time. The new ferry will replace the John E. Rigby, one of two existing ferries serving the island.
 

25-05-12