Canada’s federal Minister of Transport Marc Garneau announced the intention to order two new ferries.
When built, the first ferry will operate the CTMA route between Îles de la Madeleine and Prince Edward Island, as replacement for the MADELEINE.
The second is for the Wood Island (Prince Edward Island) to Caribou (Nova Scotia) service, operated by Northumberland Ferries.
She will replace the HOLIDAY ISLAND.
At this moment the message is mainly a political declaration. The Minister said the vessels would be built locally, at the Davie shipyard. No budget has been released, and no contract has been signed (yet).
Other yards have 14 days to react.
The Minister said it would take another five years before delivery. The vessels will be ordered and owned by the Federal Government, and operated by CTMA and Northumberland Ferries.
CTMA presently operates the CTMA VOYAGEUR, MADELEINE and CTMA VACANCIER.