Work is now underway on replacing the fender system at the Saint John ferry terminal on the west side after the federal government awarded an approximately $5.17-million contract to McNally Construction of Dartmouth.
Marine fenders stop ships from colliding directly into other boats or wharves. Jim Wilson is the vice-president and general manager of Bay Ferries Limited and he spoke with CHSJ News about why this replacement needs to be done.
“The fender system just goes down along the side of the dock. The dock is over 50 years old, and with salt water and wear and tear, it needs to be replaced over time,” says Wilson.
“It’s infrastructure improvement, we’ve been doing a lot of improvements. This facility is significant and it’s been around since 1950-something. Over time, Transport Canada has had to reinvest money into the service which shows their commitment to the service.”
The federal government says this will sustain 10 jobs at McNally’s in Saint John and Dartmouth along with bringing work for up to six local subcontractors and consultants. It’s expected the work will be complete by the middle of 2018.
“This investment of over $5-million in a new fender system at the Saint John Ferry Terminal will continue to ensure the safe operation of the ferry service between Saint John and Digby,” Transport minister Marc Garneau says in a news release.
