CBC - 23\/08\/2014<\/p>\n
In just over a year, a brand new and long-awaited ferry will be put into service for Fogo\u00a0Island and Change Islands, in Notre Dame Bay.<\/p>\n
On Friday, Minister of Transportation and Works Nick\u00a0McGrath\u00a0was joined by residents of\u00a0Fogo\u00a0Island and Change Islands to celebrate the keel-laying of the new $51-million ferry.<\/p>\n
The laying\u00a0of the keel formally signifies\u00a0the beginning of construction, and is traditionally celebrated.<\/p>\n
A video of the Aug. 20 event at Damen Shipyards in Romania, where the ferry is being built, was broadcast at Friday's ceremony on Fogo Island.<\/p>\n
McGrath\u00a0said the laying of the keel marked a \"significant milestone\" toward the introduction of the new ferry.<\/p>\n
\"There is a sense of excitement among residents, as we look ahead to the arrival of the new, modern and capable ferry which will begin servicing the area in just over a year from now.\"<\/p>\n
The ferry will be an 80-metre ice-class vessel that has roll-on, roll-off capability and will accommodate up to 200 passengers and 60 vehicles.<\/p>\n
As a brand new vessel, the Newfoundland and Labrador government says the ferry will also provide a more reliable passenger experience and will have increased capacity for operating in challenging ice conditions.<\/p>\n
Residents on Fogo Island and Change Islands have endured recurring transportation issues for the past number of years, mainly due to aging ferries.<\/p>\n