The second of two 80m ice class RoPax ferries – the »Legionnaire« – has been launched at Damen Shipyards Galati, Romania. The[ds_preview] naming was performed by Lori Anne Companion, Deputy Minister at the Department of Transportation and Works of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
The »Legionnaire« is sister ship to the »Veteran«, launched earlier this year at the Romanian yard. Both vessels are part of a large vessel replacement programme being undertaken by the Provincial Government. 81m in length and with a beam of 17m, she will carry up to 200 passengers and 60 cars (PAE) at a cruising speed of 14kn. »Legionnaire« will operate on the short-haul route from Portugal Cove to Bell Island, the busiest route of the province. The vessel will be delivered to Newfoundland in the spring of 2016.
Meanwhile »Veteran«, that already was on its way to Newfoundland, had tob e pulled back to Malta, after having trouble with one of its engines, delaying the delivery for about three weeks. Damen is continuing to increase its presence in the province with plans for a certified service and maintenance centre in the capital of St. John’s now well advanced. Damen representatives also recently attended student career days at Newfoundland and Labrador’s Memorial University.
