Two Applicants Shortlisted to Supply Marine Atlantic’s New Vessel

St. John’s, NL – Marine Atlantic announced today that two companies, Stena North Sea Ltd. and Rederi AB Gotland, have been shortlisted to move to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage for the procurement of a new vessel for the Corporation’s fleet.

In Budget 2019, the Government of Canada provided funding for Marine Atlantic to procure a new vessel. As part of the open and fair process, the Corporation launched a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in July 2019. This process was open to domestic and international bidders with four firms providing pre-qualification submissions by the November 13, 2019, deadline. Both Stena North Sea Ltd. and Rederi AB Gotland were successful in meeting the requirements to proceed to the RFP stage. The entire process is 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 a fair manner consistent with the process set out in the RFQ and RFP.

The new vessel will be a ro-pax design with the ability to carry commercial freight and offer passenger amenities. More details about the vessel particulars such as size, design features and technical specifications will be presented once a contract has been entered into with the successful proponent. The new vessel is expected to enter service in fiscal year 2023-2024.

Quotes

“We are pleased to be another step closer to procuring our new vessel for our fleet and customers. With the Government of Canada’s support, this will be the first time in over 30 years that Marine Atlantic has had the opportunity to engage in this type of procurement opportunity. We look forward to working with the two shortlisted companies as we move through the next stage of this process.”

Gary O’Brien
Interim/Acting Chair, Marine Atlantic Board of Directors

“Marine Atlantic is an essential service that is vital to the supply chain of Newfoundland and Labrador, a fact that has been reinforced as we confront the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The introduction of a new, purpose-built vessel for our service will further strengthen our infrastructure and better meet the changing needs of both our passenger and commercial customers. We are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and continuing to meet our essential mandate.”

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.

Media Contact:

Darrell Mercer
Corporate Communications
( 709) 772-0073 or (709) 727-2405
[email protected]