​April 16, 2020
For immediate release
WINTER SCHEDULE TO REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR STRAIT OF BELLE ISLE SERVICE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

(HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY) – Labrador Marine, in conjunction with the provincial Department of Transportation and Works, announced today that due to continuing travel restrictions and the significant reduction in traffic as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the winter schedule will remain in effect on the Strait of Belle Isle service until further notice. Adequate public notice will be provided if future schedule changes are necessary.

The winter schedule provides for one round trip each day between Blanc Sablon and St. Barbe.
Schedule (until further notice) Depart Blanc Sablon Depart St. Barbe
8:00 am (NL time)
10:30 am (NL time)

Travellers are reminded that under Newfoundland and Labrador provincial public health orders, only essential travel is permitted. This includes travel for essential workers, medical appointments, relocation, and commercial drivers moving good/supplies. Those travelling for essential work, medical appointments, and relocation must have documentation to support the need for travel. Travel will not be permitted without a reservation.

Labrador Marine thanks travellers for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time. Please continue to observe all public health orders and advice.
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For further information, contact:
Peter Woodward, President and CEO of Labrador Marine
(709) 896-2421

​LABRADOR MARINE FURTHER ENHANCES SAFETY

Ship crew agrees to longer assignment to reduce travel

(Happy Valley-Goose Bay) --- Labrador Marine has announced further changes for the Strait of Belle Isle ferry service to enhance protection for passengers, crew, and communities from the COVID-19 virus. The following changes came into effect on Saturday, April 11, 2020:
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 Passenger capacity to be reduced to 20, including drivers
 The upper deck only will be in use, except for vehicles shipped without a driver
 Passengers MUST remain in their vehicle and leave doors unlocked for the entire crossing
 Passengers MUST leave vehicle window open to listen to PA safety announcements
 Passengers may idle their vehicle for the duration of the crossing
 Walk-ons will be escorted to a cabin and isolated for the duration of the crossing
 Absolutely no smoking
 Crossings will be made only during daylight hours when ice is present, or for safe navigation practices
 Crewmembers will maintain a constant presence on the car deck for fire watch and to respond to emergencies
 Passengers in need of service will toot their horn and a crew member will respond
 People needing to use the washroom will be escorted to and from by a crew member
 Washrooms will be sanitized after each visit
 Provincial essential travel rules remain in place. Travel is limited to essential workers, people attending medical appointments, those who are relocating, and commercial drivers moving goods/supplies.

Labrador Marine President and CEO Peter Woodward says the company has implemented measures that exceed the current requirements for marine operations.

“We have reduced the passenger capacity from 53 to 20,” says Woodward. “With the cooperation of our crew, we have implemented further measures. Shore leave for the crew of the Kamutik W has been eliminated. Our crew has also agreed to a longer work schedule onboard the ship. This will reduce travel by 33 percent. I am extremely proud of their commitment to enhance public health.”
Labrador Marine provides an essential public service to the Straits and southern Labrador by delivering necessary food and supplies, and by transporting essential workers as well as people who need to attend medical appointments. Woodward expressed his appreciation to the travelling public and to the company’s employees.

“This has been a challenging time for everyone. Since the essential travel rules came into place, traffic on the service has slowed considerably. We want to thank people for observing those rules and keeping themselves, our crew, and their communities safe,” he said. “The crew of the Kamutik W has performed admirably. They have been away from their home and families providing this essential service. Like the rest of us, they would prefer to be close to home. But along with our shore staff, they are proud to be helping maintain this essential service for people in the Straits and southern Labrador.”

Labrador Marine continues to monitor the public health advice on COVID-19. The company will adjust travel rules when necessary. Please continue to consult Labrador Marine’s website at www.labradormarine.com for the latest information.
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For further information, contact:
Peter Woodward, LMI President and CEO
(709) 896-2421