Marine Atlantic debuts new vessel in Sydney
Marine Atlantic's newest vessel, the MV Highlanders, has debuted in North Sydney to media and politicians on Thursday.
It's a sister ship to the MV Blue Puttees, which came into service between North Sydney and Port aux Basques, N.L., a few weeks ago.
Marine Atlantic has been under fire for months because of long wait times and delays in service.
The Minister of State for Transport, Rob Merrifield, inspected the Highlanders on Thursday morning.
He said the new vessels should resolve capacity problems.
The MV Highlanders has 96 cabins and approximately 50 per cent more vehicle capacity than the just-retired MV Joseph and Clara Smallwood.
The Highlanders' captain, Scott Chant, said the vessel handled well on its voyage across the Atlantic from the Netherlands.
And with 30,000 horsepower from the engine, he does not expect any problems in ice.
"This vessel is … 40 or 50 per cent more than the Caribou sitting beside it. Overall you've 50 per cent more capacity in Marine Atlantic so you have the ability to catch up and you've got it in glorious style, you might say, because of the standard of this ship," said Chant.
"Not only what you see in front of us as far as maintenance and manoeuverability of the ship, but also the luxurious accommodations that the passengers will enjoy so it's a great improvement."
The ferries were refitted in Germany and made 12.5 metres shorter. The change allows for easier manoeuvering in the harbour of Port aux Basques, one of two Marine Atlantic terminals in Newfoundland.
