Marine Atlantic issues Request for Qualifications for delivery of new vessel
St. John's, NL -Marine Atlantic is pleased to announce the Corporation is moving forward with an open competitive process for the procurement of a new vessel for its fleet. The funding commitment announced by the Government of Canada in Budget 2019 enables the organization to enter into this process.
The first stage of this process is the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) intended to identify and shortlist applicants who will be eligible to participate in the second phase, a Request for Proposals (RFP) process.
The RFQ is open to domestic and international bidders who have an interest in supplying a new vessel for Marine Atlantic. The RFQ posting will close in the third quarter of Marine Atlantic's fiscal year (October 1 - December 31, 2019). The RFP will be issued following a detailed review of the RFQ responses with the entire process being overseen by a fairness monitor, an independent consultant that acts as an objective, third party observer who monitors the procurement process to ensure that it is conducted in manner consistent with the process set out in the RFQ.
The new vessel will be a ro-pax design with the ability to carry commercial freight and offer passenger amenities. The new vessel is expected to enter service in fiscal year 2023-2024.
Quotes
"This is a very exciting opportunity for Marine Atlantic and the long-term future of our vital public ferry service. We are committed to a fair, open and competitive procurement process that will position our service positively for the future. We thank the Government of Canada for their investment and look forward to working with all of our stakeholders in the months and years ahead as we continue our efforts of offering a strong, sustainable and effective service."
Kristopher Parsons
Chair, Marine Atlantic Board of Directors
"Marine Atlantic provides a vital ferry service that connects the people and businesses of Atlantic Canada, and helps transport many of the goods used every single day in our region. As we begin our search for a partner to design, build and charter a ship that will complement our current fleet, our goal is to continue strengthening our service to effectively meet the needs of our customers. We look forward to the process ahead and the exciting opportunities this new infrastructure will bring."
Murray Hupman
President and CEO, Marine Atlantic
Marine Atlantic is a Canadian Crown Corporation tasked with fulfilling the constitutional mandate of offering freight and passenger service between the Provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. The Corporation reports to the Minister of Transport Canada.
Interested bidders:
Information regarding the Request for Qualifications is available on MERX (merx.com)
Media Contact:
Tara Laing
Corporate Communications
(709) 772-8974 or (709) 685-2128
[email protected]