27 October 2015
The 80-metre ice class RoPax ferry MV VETERAN handover to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (GNL) took place in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada on October 23, 2015. Launched earlier this year by Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania on March 27, 2015, the vessel will start services from Fogo Island and Change Islands before the end of November. MV VETERAN was delivered from the shipyard on time and within budget.
Announcing the arrival of the vessel, Premier Paul Davis of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador stated: “The arrival of the MV Veteran is a proud moment for our province and the residents of Fogo Island and Change Islands.”
MV VETERAN is the first of a two-vessel contract, with a design stemming from a Canadian-Danish partnership between Fleetway and KNUD E. HANSEN. Several Canadian companies provided services for these vessels, from electrical equipment to fire-fighting systems. The sister ship, the MV Legionnaire, launched by the same shipyard on July 15, 2015, is scheduled for delivery in the spring of 2016. MV Legionnaire will operate on the short-haul route, the busiest route from Portugal Cove to Bell Island.
Managing Director KNUD E. HANSEN, Finn Wollesen, explains: “Concept, Tender & Basic Design was carried out by KNUD E. HANSEN together with Fleetway. We are proud of developing customized designs and always work closely with the end user to ensure fitness for purpose, and this design for the unique Canadian environment is a prime example.”
Lifeline vessel replacement programme
Both vessels are part of a large lifeline vessel replacement programme being undertaken by the Provincial Government to modernise its fleet. These are critical marine ferry services for Newfoundlanders as well as visitors to the region. For GNL, upgrading the safety level and reliability of its vessels is a major priority in order to safeguard the well-being of the islanders. GNL’s provincial fleet annually transports over 900,000 passengers, 400,000 vehicles and 20,000 tonnes of freight with more than 50,000 arrivals and departures.
Robust ferries for continuous service
Since this region is located near the Arctic, vessels have to manoeuvre in drifting ice. According to Damen Manager North America Jan van Hogerwou, “GNL wants to provide service continuity. These highly durable ferries can handle the impact of 40 cm-thick floating ice at 4 knots. Their rudders, hull and propellers have been strengthened and are outfitted with extra plate thickness for heavy winter conditions.”
Product Director Damen Ferries, Henk Grunstra, explains: “The highest certificate available for ferries is the Ice Class 1A Super certificate. These diesel-electric propelled vessels also have redundant systems. The bridge is ergonomically designed and has optimal working space for efficient and safe operation. The modern, low maintenance interior was designed by an internationally recognised designer. The shift crew lives on board the ship in 15 single crew cabins.”
These 200-passenger vessels have RoRo capacity for 60 vehicles, and unload passenger and vehicle traffic quickly. The 80.9 long MV VETERAN with a beam of 17.2 and cruising speed of 14 knots, will replace the MV Earl Windsor built in 1975. The sister ship will replace the MV Beaumont Hamel which dates from 1985.
Related References
Ice class ferry for Fogo
- Vessel type: Arctic vessel
- Vessel name: Veteran and Legionnaire RoPax Ferries
- Project number: 10002 / 11002