Significant Investments and Upgrades Being Made to Marine Atlantic’s Port aux Basques Terminal Property

Marine Atlantic President and CEO, Paul Griffin, today outlined two major projects that will improve facilities at the Port aux Basques terminal to better serve customers. The projects, scheduled to begin in September, include the decommissioning and replacement of the aging gulfspan dock and the renovation and upgrade of the terminal building.

"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the ferry service between Newfoundland and Labrador for the regional economy", said the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport). "These investments in the Port aux Basques terminal will benefit the many customers and businesses that use it."

"The upgrades we are making will help Marine Atlantic reach its goal of becoming a modern and efficient company offering a high level of customer service," said Paul Griffin, President and CEO of Marine Atlantic. "At the end of our 5-year renewal process, all of our port facilities and vessels will have received significant upgrades. We are committed to our Port aux Basques, North Sydney and Argentia operations and will continue making investments that will provide the best service possible for our customers."

When completed, the renewed docking infrastructure will provide operational flexibility and improve the efficiency of loading and offloading our vessels, ensuring continued safe, reliable service. The renovated Port aux Basques terminal will offer much-needed upgrades and customer amenities including a commercial drivers' seating lounge. Both projects are scheduled to be completed by spring 2013. These latest projects are in addition to other projects including the expansion of the drop trailer yard, construction of a new salt shed and checker's building and an upgraded fueling system. The total investment of the Port aux Basques projects is estimated at $30 million.

Marine Atlantic's project plan has been designed to minimize the impact on daily operations during the construction period. Although customers may experience construction zone activities, the terminal building will remain in operation and customers will be kept informed.

As part of the Government of Canada's recent five-year investment in Marine Atlantic of $521 million, infrastructure renewal is taking place at all of the corporation's facilities. Fleet renewal and integration, including the successful introduction of the MV Blue Puttees and MV Highlanders , was the first phase of renewal. The second phase is now focusing on upgrading shore-based infrastructure at Marine Atlantic's terminal properties.

Media Contacts:

Darrell Mercer, Communications

Telephone: (709) 772-0073

E-Mail: [email protected]

Media Relations Transport Canada, Ottawa

(613) 993-0055