The province of Ontario has awarded a contract for a new ferry that will help transport the more than 60,000 visitors and residents that travel to the island each year. The new ferry will replace MV Pelee Islander, which is 55 years old and has capacity for 196 passengers and 10 vehicles. MV Jiimaan, in operation since 1992, will also continue to service Pelee Island with capacity for 399 passengers and 35 automobiles.
The new ferry will be able to carry a maximum of 399 passengers and either 34 cars, or 16 cars and four tractor trailers. The ferry is expected to start operating in 2018 and will service the existing docks at Pelee Island, Leamington and Kingsville. ASENAV, a shipbuilding company located in Valdivia, Chile, was awarded the contract, valued at $40 million. The vessel will be imported into Canada on a duty-free basis, pursuant to Canada’s trade agreement with Chile. ASENAV was established in 1972, and has constructed a wide variety of vessels, including offshore supply vessels, fishing vessels, yachts, cruise ships and ferries.