The second of two 80-metre ice class Ro-Pax ferries – MV Legionnaire – has been launched at Damen Shipyards Galati, Romania. The naming was performed by Mrs. Lori Anne Companion, Newfoundland and Labrador Deputy Transportation Minister.
MV Legionnaire is a sister ship to MV Veteran, launched earlier this year at the Romanian yard. Both vessels are part of a large vessel replacement programme being undertaken by the provincial government. At 81 metres in length and with a beam of 17 metres, she will carry up to 200 passengers and 60 cars (PAE) at a cruising speed of 14 knots. MV Legionnaire will operate on the short-haul route from Portugal Cove to Bell Island, the busiest route of the province.
In his speech at the launch, David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works, said, “This launching brings a new home to the water. It is a significant milestone in the ship build process and a great achievement. It is a lifeline to the inhabitants of Bell Island and will play a significant role in people’s lives there for decades.” The vessel will be delivered to Newfoundland in the spring of 2016.
Meanwhile, Damen is continuing to increase its presence in the province with plans for a certified service and maintenance centre in the capital of St. John’s now well advanced. Damen representatives also recently attended student career days at Newfoundland and Labrador’s Memorial University.
Damen Shipyards Group operates 32 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 9,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 5,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 160 vessels annually to customers worldwide. Damen’s focus on standardisation, modular construction and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale values and reliable performance.