Pilot Project - SBI Winter

​LABRADOR MARINE INC. IMPLEMENTS WINTER PILOT PROJECT TO OVERNIGHT STRAITS FERRY IN ST. BARBE
 
(Happy Valley-Goose Bay) – Labrador Marine Inc. (LMI) will implement a pilot project to position the ferry Qajaq W overnight in St. Barbe for the remainder of the winter season. The new schedule begins on Monday, February 28 and continues until April 30:
 
    Depart St Barbe              7:00 am
    Depart Blanc Sablon      9:30 am
 
“St. Barbe has proven to be a safer port of refuge for the vessel during the winter season and it is considerably less exposed than Blanc Sablon,” says LMI General Manager Captain Austin Daley. “Frequent winter storms in the Straits with southwest winds create serious undertow issues at the dock in Blanc Sablon, both during and after a storm. It is unsafe for the vessel to remain there overnight during these conditions. Historically, we have had to return to St. Barbe about 15 times a year because of this issue, including twice in the past week. We will evaluate the results during the period of the pilot project.”
 
LMI continues to monitor ice conditions in the Straits. “We are well aware that winter ice pressure in the Straits can make passage into and out of St. Barbe challenging,” says Daley. “LMI is keeping a close watch on ice conditions so that we can make decisions to prevent interruptions in service.”
 
“LMI appreciates the continued support and cooperation of ferry users on the Straits service,” says Daley. “We are committed to continue providing this essential service in the safest possible way.”
 
 
For further information, contact:
Captain Austin Daley
General Manager, Labrador Marine Inc.
[email protected]