MATANE, QC, April 23, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Saturday, April 18th 2015, Jean D'Amour, Minister for Transport and the Implementation of the Maritime Strategy and Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent and the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine regions was joined by Jocelyn Fortier, CEO of Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ), and Jérôme Landry, Mayor of Matane, on the Matane wharf to celebrate the arrival of a new ferry, the MV F.-A.-Gauthier. The ferry, which was built in Italy at the Fincantieri shipyard, should begin carrying passengers in July, once STQ personnel have completed the necessary preparation work.
The F.-A.-Gauthier will be the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) ferry to operate in North America. LNG presents several advantages: it takes up 600 times less space than natural gas in its original gaseous state, a key benefit for storage and fuel transportation, and cuts greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 25%, versus marine diesel oil (MDO). The new ferry will replace the MV Camille-Marcoux, which would have to reduce its crew and passenger capacity in order to meet the new Transport Canada stability standards that take effect January 1, 2016. The F.-A.-Gauthier not only complies with but actually surpasses new international pollutants emission requirements.
Minister D'Amour was pleased by the arrival of the impressive new vessel, which will provide an enhanced ferry experience to local residents and tourists alike. "The F.-A.-Gauthier, and its LNG-powered technologies, represents a go green direction for Société des traversiers du Québec. By commissioning LNG-powered vessels and upgrading regional infrastructure, the STQ team has once again shown it has the expertise to manage major projects in a way that integrates tomorrow's green technologies and fits squarely within Québec's Maritime Strategy."
STQ CEO Jocelyn Fortier was equally enthusiastic about the new vessel: "Our passengers are incredibly lucky. The crossing time won't change, but the trip will be much more exciting and enjoyable thanks to a wealth of services just waiting to be discovered: bistro, boutique, cafeteria, bar, children's playroom, meeting room, truckers' lounge, passengers' lounges with panoramic views, and even an outside covered area for passengers." Mr. Fortier also noted that "exciting events are planned in the months ahead to celebrate the MV F.-A.-Gauthier. We'll keep the public and media informed with press releases and on our website, traversiers.com."
Matane mayor Jérôme Landry pointed out that "the new and improved ferry link is a wonderful opportunity to boost the economy on both sides of the river. Apparently the new vessel will carry 33% more passengers and 50% more vehicles than the Camille-Marcoux— for a total of 800 passengers and 180 vehicles on every crossing. There's no question that large numbers of residents of the regions served by the ferry and many tourists will take a trip across the water and rediscover the St. Lawrence thanks to this magnificent new ship."
Luc Génier, Vice President, Sales and Market Development at Gaz Métro, said, "We're very pleased to come on board as LNG supplier for the new STQ ferries and participate in this North American first. We'd like to congratulate STQ for having the vision to choose LNG—a powerful, affordable and cleaner fuel—for the new Matane–Baie-Comeau–Godbout ferry. Québec's maritime sector represents huge potential for LNG, and so does the opportunity to cut GHG emissions."
About the Matane–Baie-Comeau–Godbout Ferry
The Matane–Baie-Comeau–Godbout ferry operates year-round with two to six daily crossings, for an annual total of over 1,600 crossings that carry more than 180,000 passengers and 85,000 vehicles. The ferry contributes to social, economic, and tourism development in the Gaspésie and Côte-Nord regions, offering travelers a welcome break from the road as the overland distance between the destinations is almost 900 km.
SOURCE Société des traversiers du Québec
Video with caption: "Video: Matane-Baie-Comeau-Godbout Ferry - The MV F.-A.-Gauthier: Matane welcomes North America's first LNG-Powered Ferry". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20150423_C4594_VIDEO_EN_14725.mp4&posterurl=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos.newswire.ca%2Fimages%2F20150423_C4594_VIDEO_EN_14725.jpg&order=1&jdd=20150423&cnum=C4594
Image with caption: "The MV F.-A.-Gauthier at the Matane wharf terminal : the first LNG-powered ferry to enter into service in North America (CNW Group/Société des traversiers du Québec)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150423_C4594_PHOTO_EN_14681.jpg
Image with caption: "The MV F.-A.-Gauthier will serve the Matane?Baie-Comeau?Godbout Ferry Route starting summer 2015 (CNW Group/Société des traversiers du Québec)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150423_C4594_PHOTO_EN_14682.jpg
Image with caption: "The MV Camille-Marcoux greeting the MV F.-A.-Gauthier, its successor (CNW Group/Société des traversiers du Québec)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150423_C4594_PHOTO_EN_14683.jpg
Share this article