NL

Ferry tender issued for Strait of Belle Isle

The provincial government has issued a tender for ferry service between northern Newfoundland and southern Labrador.

The Newfoundland and Labrador government has issued a tender for ferry service in the Strait of Belle Isle.

The contract's term would be for three years, beginning in April.

It is billed as a short-term solution until government can secure vessels for the long-term, for both the Strait and for coastal Labrador. That request for proposals will be for a 15-year term that will begin in 2016.

Meanwhile, the ferry Apollo will continue to service the St. Barbe to Blanc Sablon run until the end of January.

The Sir Robert Bond will take over in February between Corner Brook and Blanc Sablon.