KAMUTIK W CURRENTLY ON LAST TRIP OF 2022 SEASON TO NORTH COAST 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.” 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] LABRADOR MARINE INC. SETS GUARATEED FREIGHT DELIVERY DATE Most traffic numbers increase during summer season (Happy Valley-Goose Bay) – Labrador Marine Inc. today announced the deadline for the acceptance of freight and cargo shipments at the port of Goose Bay to ensure guaranteed delivery to coastal ports this season. Commercial and residential freight must be received by Thursday, November 10 at 7pm to guarantee delivery. The deadline applies to both the north and south coast service. “We encourage early delivery of freight to the Goose Bay terminal,” says LMI General Manager Capt. Austin Daley, “in order to ensure that food supplies and other essential goods are delivered to each port before the service ends for the season.” Inquiries about freight operations should be directed to [email protected]. MOST TRAFFIC NUMBERS UP IN 2022 SUMMER SEASON Unlike 2020 and 2021, there were no COVID-related travel restrictions in place during the 2022 summer season. Passenger traffic, private vehicle transport, and tonnage carried in private vehicles increased over the June to August period in 2021. Freight acceptance tonnage was down. “These numbers show very positive trends for coastal traffic,” says Captain Daley. “Passenger numbers have recovered, and a growing number of people are transporting their private vehicles on the Kamutik W. This is how the service is intended to be utilized. Despite freight tonnage being down during the summer, we expect that to pick up as stores and residents begin bringing in supplies for winter.” NAIN DOCK REPAIRS TO BEGIN
Necessary work is about to begin on repairs to the dock in Nain. There will be no disruption to the service provided by LMI. “We have been in constant contact with the contractor and have an agreement that the Kamutik W will operate on schedule,” Captain Daley says. “That is good news for all the people on the coast who depend on timely delivery of goods and the transport of passengers. There will be no deviation from our current schedule while the repairs are taking place. Repairs are scheduled to be completed in early 2023.” Media inquiries: Captain Austin Daley, General Manager of Labrador Marine Inc. [email protected]. |
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