Government 'temporarily' buys $2.1M ferry to ensure travel in eastern Quebec

Quebec's provincial ferry service has added a $2.1-million ship to its fleet, to replace theferry that usually plies the MataneBaie-ComeauGodbout routein eastern Quebec.

The Socit des Traversiers du Qubec (STQ) announced Wednesday the NM Apollo will make thatcrossing until further notice,while the regular ferryis being serviced.

The NMFelix-Adrien Gauthier was docked on Dec. 17, after a routine inspection revealed a mechanical problem with its propeller system. It is now undergoing repairs in dry dock at the Davie shipyard in Lvis.

"Our original intent was to rent a ship," said Franois Bertrand, the STQ's interim president and CEO. "But there were no options on the market on such short notice."

He said his staff did "everything they could" during the holiday periodto providetravellers with a way to get across the St. Lawrence River,including chartering flights between Matane and Baie-Comeau.

On Jan.8, another ferry,the MSC.T.M.A. Vacancier,was brought in to service for the remainder of the month.

But that ship is due to return to the Magdalen Islands to resume its regular service on Feb. 1, forcing the STQ to find a quick solution.

"A service interruption was out of the question," said Bertrand at a news conference inRimouski.

The temporary measures will have cost the STQ around $1 million to date, Bertrand said.

He also announced a compensation plan for travellers who may have been affected by the travel delays during the holidays. Bertrand said the details of that planwill be posted over the coming days on the STQ's website.

Much smaller vessel

The STQ intends to sell theNM Apollo, which currently makes the trip from Blanc-Sablon, Que., to St. Barbe, N.L., once it's served its purpose.

The ship, built in 1970, has a much smaller capacity than the F.A. Gauthier room for just 240 passengers, compared to the regular ferry's800, and for just 80 vehicles, instead of 180.

"Wewill still be able to meetdemand forthis time of year by adding more crossings," said Bertrand.

It's still unclear how much repairs to the F.-A. Gauthier will cost. Arelatively new ship, it was put into service in 2015.

However, Bertrand said he will seek reimbursement from the Italian shipbuilding company that sold the STQ the ferry for$175 million.