LABRADOR MARINE THANKS TRAVELLING PUBLIC FOR COOPERATION AS SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON NEARS END

(Happy Valley-Goose Bay) – Labrador Marine President and CEO Peter Woodward today thanked the thousands of passengers and commercial users who have travelled on the Qajaq Q and Kamutik W this spring and summer. Summer travel is expected to reach its peak on the coming Labour Day weekend.

“This travel season has been anything but normal for the people who use the service on the Strait of Belle Isle and the north and south coasts,” says Woodward. “COVID-19 has impacted our service in many ways. The public health measures that were necessary have made travel more difficult. Through it all, people have shown the highest level of cooperation. We want to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude for their willingness to do all that was asked in a very challenging year.”
Labrador Marine provides essential passenger and commercial service to more than 20 communities from the Straits all the way north to Nain, under contract to the provincial government. The Qajaq W and Kamutik W transport essential food and supplies to stock businesses along the coast; the service gets people to medical appointments and work; and the two vessels provide other critical services such as mail and package delivery. Maintaining public health and safety is paramount.

“Labrador Marine continues to maintain the highest standards for sanitizing and cleaning on our vessels,” says Woodward. “All passengers must wear a mask unless they are exempt, travellers on the Straits service must remain in their vehicles if they are located on the main deck, and all passengers on our vessels must maintain physical distancing. People’s continued cooperation is necessary to keep our passengers, crew, and communities safe.”
Travel restrictions in 2020 impacted the operation of seasonal businesses such as tourism. As summer advanced and it became easier to move about, there was an increase in recreational travel. “People were anxious to end their travel isolation, and many took the opportunity to have a staycation,” says Woodward. “There is a lot to see and do in our province and Labrador Marine was proud to help make that happen.”

People wishing to travel should consult Labrador Marine’s website at www.labradormarine.com for the latest travel information. Public health measures are subject to change. Updates will be posted on the Labrador Marine website.
​
For further information, contact:
Peter Woodward, President and CEO - (709) 896-2421

Labrador Marine to commence south coast freight and passenger service early

(Happy Valley-Goose Bay) – Labrador Marine Inc. announced today that freight and passenger service from Goose Bay to Cartwright and Black Tickle will commence on July 3, more than a week earlier than originally planned. In addition, LMI announced that Rigolet will be added as a port of call on both legs of the southbound service in 2020.

“This has been the earliest start to the season in several years,” said LMI President and CEO Peter Woodward. “We have already completed two trips to the north coast. There is freight on hand at the terminal for Black Tickle. We want to deliver that freight as soon as possible so that people have the supplies that they need.”

The Kamutik W travels by Rigolet on both legs of the southbound run. LMI determined that it made sense to add Rigolet as a port of call. “Many people travel between Rigolet and Goose Bay,” says Woodward. “This provides additional convenience to people in that community. In the summer and fall, our service is their highway.”

All departures from Goose Bay for the south coast will be at 3 pm on Fridays, beginning July 3.
Schedule: July 3, July 24, August 7, August 21, September 11, October 9, November 13

Freight is accepted at the Goose Bay terminal from Monday to Friday.
Goose Bay freight terminal hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 8 am to 5 pm
Thursday 8 am to 7 pm

Due to the public health requirement to maintain physical distancing, passenger capacity on the south coast run will be 53. Of this number, 27 passenger spaces will be reserved for Black Tickle and 26 spaces for Rigolet. People wishing to travel must call Passenger Reservations at 1-855-896-2262 to be placed on a call list. Reservations for the south coast service must be made by 4 pm Thursday. Only reserved passengers are permitted to board the vessel.

LMI’s priority is the safety of our passengers and crew. It may be necessary to adjust some procedures as the public health advice around COVID-19 evolves. Please consult LMI’s website at www.labradormarine.com for the latest information regarding our service.

For further information, contact: Peter Woodward, President and CEO (709) 896-242

​