All aboard the MV Fundy Rose!!

Minister Raitt names replacement vessel for Saint John-Digby ferry service

OTTAWA, May 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, and Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced that the replacement vessel for the MV Princess of Acadia, which serves the Saint John, New Brunswick to Digby, Nova Scotia ferry route, will be named the MV Fundy Rose.

The MV Fundy Rose is a combination of the top names submitted by Canadians as part of a public naming process launched earlier this year.

The first part of the name reflects the renowned tidal level and water volume, the ocean conditions and world-wide appreciation of the Bay of Fundy.

The second part of the name reflects Rose Fortune, a woman born into slavery and relocated to Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, after her family escaped the British colony of Virginia during the American Revolution. She developed a successful business transporting luggage from the ferry docks to Annapolis hotels and homes via wheelbarrow.  She also offered a wake-up service to customers to make certain they caught their boat to Digby or Saint John on time. Over time, Rose Fortune became known as the first female police officer in Canada – an unofficial title she earned by maintaining order and safeguarding property at the town's wharves.

In maritime lore, the name of a ship carries importance and status and this chosen name reflects that proud tradition. The name has met specific eligibility criteria and was available from the Canadian Register of Vessels.

The introduction of the vessel into service will take place later this spring.

Quick Facts

• The MV Fundy Rose was purchased by the Government of Canada in October 2014 from a private ferry operator in Greece at a cost of approximately $31 million EURO ($44.6 million CAN).
• The vessel is a Roll On-Roll Off (RO-RO) passenger ferry vessel built in 2000 by Daewoo Industries. It is 124 metres in length and 19 metres in breadth, with a cruising speed of 20 knots. It has modern onboard amenities and segregated car and vehicle decks.
• Since its arrival in Canada in December 2014, the MV Fundy Rose has been dockside in Halifax undergoing a main engine overhaul; replacement of carpeting and tiles; installation of a truckers' lounge, a children's play area and a business lounge; upgrades to computer equipment, kitchen equipment and life saving equipment; improving bow and stern door hydraulics; upgrading alarm, monitoring and engine control systems; and fuel oil tank cleaning.
• The Saint John-Digby ferry service is operated year-round by Bay Ferries Ltd. (BFL), using the Transport Canada-owned MV Princess of Acadia. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided approximately $44 million to support this service.

Quotes

"I am pleased to announce "MV Fundy Rose" as the name of the new ferry on the Saint John to Digby ferry route.  This combination name brings together the impressive uniqueness of the ocean location of the ferry service and the name of a prominent Maritimer who contributed significantly to life in this region in the 1700s. As well, I would like to thank the many Canadians who suggested names for the vessel. With over 1,100 name suggestions received, it was rewarding to see such an outstanding response from the public."

The Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport

"Having the name of the new Saint John to Digby ferry reflect our region as well as pay homage to our history is very significant. I look forward to seeing the new name proudly displayed on our ferry for many years to come."

Rodney Weston
Member of Parliament for Saint John

"Nova Scotians will welcome the use of Rose in the name of this ferry as a tribute to Rose Fortune, a Black Loyalist who came to Nova Scotia as a child with her family during the American Revolution. She went on to become an entrepreneur, known as Canada's first female police officer and one of Annapolis Royal's most notable and respected figures during the first half of the 19th century, and her successors have contributed to the life and economy of this region."

Greg Kerr
Member of Parliament for West Nova

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SOURCE Transport Canada

Zach Segal, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055