The Government of New Brunswick is following through on its commitment to deliver better vehicle and passenger ferry services to Grand Manan, White Head and Deer Islands through the Fundy Islands Ferry Services Project.
A key step was the design and purchase of a new 82-vehicle ferry for Grand Manan by the Department of Transportation. This major investment will provide this region with greater economic growth opportunities and provide people with better travel opportunities.
The Department currently owns five vessels operating in coastal waters. The Lady White Head operates between Grand Manan and White Head Islands. The Deer Island Princess II and the John E. Rigby operate between Letete and Deer Island. Currently the Grand Manan V and the Grand Manan operate between Blacks Harbour and Grand Manan Island.
In March of 2009, Premier Graham announced that Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. of Panama City, Florida were the successful bidders chosen from five proposals in the tender process. The new Grand Manan Adventure will be in place by May 2011 and will replace the 44-year-old Grand Manan that carries 25 vehicles.
The Grand Manan V will sail as the second ferry in the summer season. Combined with the Grand Manan Adventure, this will open up the largest growth potential for tourism traffic in the Grand Manan’s history.
During the summer season, Grand Manan will benefit from a significant increase in daily vehicle capacity from 630 to 1,000. In the winter season, daily car capacity will be increased from 480 vehicles to 640.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group began Construction on Grand Manan Adventure in November 2009. The vessel construction is on schedule for a December 2010 launch and a May 2011 delivery.
Grand Manan Adventure Particulars
Principal Particulars
Length Overall 85.5m
Length DWL 79.3m
Length B.P. 76.9m
Beam (moulded) 18.5m
Depth 7.25m
Draft (Design) 4.52m
Passenger and Crew Maximum 380
Vehicle Capacity 80 AEU (Automobile Equivalent Unit)
10 Tractor Trailers
