Quebec will buy three rechargeable electric ferries

The first ship is scheduled for delivery in 2029 and commissioning in 2030.

The addition of these three ferries will allow the STQ to better perform its mission and use the ships currently operating at the Sorrel-Trace Crossing and the Isle-O-Coders Crossing as relief vessels on its other sleepers. Thus the organization will be able to offer more predictability and diversity to all of its clients.and the Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ).

Bidding process will be launched soon. The contract should be signed by 2026, according to Minister Genevieve Guilbeault.

Despite the STQ’s history of acquiring ships, the secretary says she is convinced to buy three vessels for less than $200 million. The government says it is ready to increase the envelope if necessary. We will see the costs in the feasibility study. If adjustments need to be made, we will, but we are at a very preliminary stage.

Proven technology

The three ferries must be identical to reduce maintenance costs and facilitate the movement of labor to operate the vessels.

New boats must allow for STQ Reducing its annual fleet operating budget by $3 million.

Electric vessels are a proven technology in Europe, according to Greta Bédard, interim president and CEO of the Société des traversiers.

” In Norway, more than 60 electric ferries are currently operating. This technology is also used in Canada. Major shipowners like BC Ferries have already purchased six new electric ferries. The Ontario Department of Transportation was recently built. »

Advertising accompanies it Two main projects To update sleeper ports.

The British Columbia government also wants to electrify its fleet.

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Photo: Government of British Columbia

Reduce greenhouse gases

The declaration must make it possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the province. Currently , STQ It has 22 ships, 3 of which are equipped with LNG technology, transition energy.

for an electric ship […]We’re talking about an annual reduction of 4,450 tons of carbon dioxideMinister Guilbault rejoices.

” This equates to about 1,000 fewer cars on the road for each of the vessels we will acquire. »

sleepers

The reliability of the ferry between L’Isle-aux-Coudres and Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive has been the subject of much criticism in recent years.

Genevieve Guilbault asserts that the declaration should reduce greenhouse gases in the province.

Photo: Radio Canada

The past few years have demonstrated the need to invest in maintenance and purchase new equipment in order to ensure the best possible service in all sleepers.indicates STQ.

This is also the essence of the project: to have greater operational ingenuity to overcome [les] unexpectedAdds Greta Bedard.

Six years of waiting

Quebec Solidere’s transportation spokesperson, Étienne Grandmont, deplores the timeline he has drawn up STQ.

Since at least 2021, Quebec Ferries has been regularly loaned to the L’Isle-aux-Coudres crossing, which means we travel with a single ferry between Quebec and Levis. Today we announce the delivery of the first ship in 2029! Six more years of having to put up with service breakdowns caused by Minister Gilbeult’s lack of predictability too much.Taschereau member, believes in Quebec.

Etienne Grandmont asks the government to prioritize Quebec companies in the takeover process, Given the shipyards and electrical expertise that Quebec has.