Ferries construction

Project providing safe and efficient ferry services to support vibrant and sustainable communities and economies in Eastern Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

Overview

The ferry service between Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Souris provides an essential link to a remote community of approximately 13,000 permanent residents in Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

The ferry service between Caribou, Nova Scotia (NS) and Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), provides an essential link for Atlantic communities that supports the local economy and tourism.

Budget 2019 committed to acquiring 2 new ferries for Transport Canada to replace the Motor Vessel (MV) Madeleine, which was used as the primary vessel for service between Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, and Souris, P.E.I., and the MV Holiday Island, 1 of 2 vessels that was used to provide service between Wood Islands, P.E.I., and Caribou, NS.

The long-term replacement vessel for the MV Madeleine is expected to be operational in 2029. The MV Holiday Island’s long-term replacement is scheduled to be delivered as early as 2028.

Project at a glance

Shipyard

Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (Lévis, Quebec)

Project status

Preliminary design phase

Number of vessels to be built

2

Project budget

To be determined

First vessel delivered

2028

Progress of the project

On June 19, 2019, the Government of Canada announced that it had entered into contract negotiations with Chantier Davie Canada Inc. of Lévis, Quebec, for the construction of 2 new ferries for Transport Canada to replace the MV Madeleine and the MV Holiday Island. This announcement followed an Advance Contract Award Notice published on May 22, 2019.

In November 2019, Chantier Davie Canada Inc. was awarded an ancillary contract, which included preliminary design work.

News

Government of Canada enters into negotiations with Chantier Davie for construction of 2 ferries—June 19, 2019