Lab Coast, end of season 2022

KAMUTIK W CURRENTLY ON LAST TRIP OF 2022 SEASON TO NORTH COAST
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Passenger, vehicle traffic increase in 2022; Freight shipments consistent with 2021
(Happy Valley-Goose Bay) – Labrador Marine Inc. (LMI) announced that with Monday’s departure of the Kamutik W from Goose Bay for ports north to Nain, the 2022 season is drawing to a close.
The Kamutik W made 26 trips to the north coast and 8 trips to Black Tickle during the 2022 season. By the end of this trip north, all freight and cargo for coastal ports will have been delivered. As in previous years, passenger service continued until season’s end.
“The 2022 season marks the first time in three years that LMI has operated the service without public health travel restrictions that were imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said LMI President and CEO Peter Woodward. “Private vehicle traffic increased, passenger numbers were up, and cargo shipments were consistent with 2021. Those numbers will be adjusted slightly when December totals are finalized, but things have returned to normal. And it’s gratifying to know that we have delivered all freight and cargo destined for coastal communities.”
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SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS IN 2022

LMI works with users, local governments and organizations, its sub-contractor, and the provincial government to provide the highest level of service for coastal communities. Several projects were initiated in 2022 to enhance the service:
  - LMI undertook improvements to the ferry ramp at Nain.
  - The province of Newfoundland and Labrador began a wharf rehabilitation project in Nain that will be completed in 2023.
  - The federal government funded new freight storage facilities in three Nunatsiavut communities.

“LMI and our partners are committed to providing the highest possible level of service to coastal communities,” stated General Manager Capt. Austin Daley. “As we conclude year four of our service contract, we want to thank all of our stakeholders, our business clients and passengers, our crew both onboard and onshore, and our contractor. We provide an essential service to coastal communities and the commitment to continuous improvement runs deep in our organization.”

PASSENGER SERVICE CONTINUES UNTIL END OF SEASON
The coastal marine service is a combined freight and passenger operation. Again in 2023, passenger service will be offered from the start of the season on June 11 until the last sailing of the season.
People planning to travel late in the season should be aware that there may be schedule changes due to weather conditions and the need to conclude freight operations. Passengers with reservations will be contacted by email should there be a change in their itinerary.

FIRST SAILING SCHEDULED FOR 2023
Labrador Marine Inc. has begun planning for the 2023 season and has scheduled the first sailing to depart Goose Bay on Sunday, June 11 at 2 PM. LMI will consult local government officials and users of the service as it commences planning for next season.

​For further information, contact:
Peter Woodward, LMI President and CEO
(709) 896-2421
&/or Captain Austin Daley
[email protected]