Bell Island resident Katherine Walters remains doubtful about the Progressive Conservative’s pledge to enhance ferry services in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, a CEO in the industry believes that constructing the vessels within the province is a viable option.
During his election campaign, premier-designate Tony Wakeham committed to introducing four new ferries to the province’s fleet and giving priority to local construction. Walters, a strong advocate for improved Bell Island ferry services, expressed skepticism towards these promises, labeling them as mere political rhetoric.
Noting the province’s historical failure to implement recommendations, Walters referenced a 2006 Tory vessel replacement strategy that was not fully followed, leading to mismatches in vessel sizes. A recent auditor general report from 2021 highlighted mismanagement in the acquisition of the MV Veteran and MV Legionnaire in 2013 by the provincial government.
Walters acknowledged the deteriorating state of the current fleet, emphasizing that the crisis has been ongoing due to escalating operational costs. She underscored the necessity of a dependable ferry service for islands, stressing that hindrances in transportation hinder the free movement of people and goods.
Calling for the revival of the 2006 vessel replacement strategy, Walters urged the incoming Tory government to ensure proper maintenance of the fleet. Meanwhile, the CEO of Genoa Designs, a Mount Pearl-based company specializing in ship drawings and models, commended Wakeham’s initiative to localize ferry construction.
The CEO, Gina Pecore, emphasized the importance of supporting local construction efforts, citing Nova Scotia’s success in the shipbuilding sector as an example to follow. Pecore expressed confidence in Newfoundland and Labrador’s existing infrastructure and skills, suggesting a gradual return to self-reliance in ferry construction within the province.
Highlighting the presence of established smaller building companies and fabricators, Pecore proposed a strategic approach focusing on hull structures that buyers could customize according to their needs. She advocated for a comprehensive procurement strategy to streamline shipbuilding processes and ensure cost-efficiency.
In conclusion, the potential for local ferry construction in Newfoundland and Labrador is viewed positively by industry experts like Pecore, who believe that with the right support, the province can revitalize its shipbuilding sector and regain the capability to construct its own ferries.