Italian Shipbuilders Wins Canadian Ferry Order

Fincantieri wins contract from Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ to build a large passenger ferry

The contract, awarded following a public tender in which major competitors took part, is worth CAD$ 148-million.

Deltamarin/Navtec, a Finnish-Canadian consortium, earlier drew up preliminary plans of the ferry in preparation for the project's tender. Fincantieri will work on the detailed design of the new ship, which is scheduled for delivery in Canada in late 2014.

The ferry will be used for multiple services on the Matane-Baie-Comeau-Godbout route, which employs 115 people and, with 1,600 sailings a year, allows more than 200,000 passengers and over 116,000 vehicles to travel from shore to shore. It provides year-round links between Gaspé and North Shore, and is a tourist attraction with a significant return for retailers in the areas served. It also plays a vital role in the economy and industry of both regions.

Georges Farrah, STQ Chairman and CEO, said: "I am very happy with the outcome of the very demanding design and construction process for this new ship due to start service in Matane in three years’ time. At 130 meters long and with a capacity for 800 passengers and 180 cars, the new ferry will be much larger and better equipped than the "Camille-Marcoux" that it will replace. Its larger hold capacity will be suitable for all types of vehicles."