Fundy Islands Ferry Services Project 

Ferry Launched Eastern Shipbuilding Group launches the 281 foot passenger ferry Grand Manan Adventure (Video courtesty of Panama City News Herald) News Release

What’s New? Grand Manan Adventure departs on maiden voyage Grand Manan Adventure heads to New Brunswick Grand Manan Adventure officially launched Progress made to improve ferry service to Fundy islands New ferry for White Head Island (10/05/28) Name of Grand Manan ferry announced (10/02/02) Government investing $65 million US in new Grand Manan Island ferry (09/03/10)) Ferry project to be adjusted (08/04/14) more news Features NB’s coastal ferries (slideshow) Ferries operating within New Brunswick

The Government of New Brunswick is committed to delivering better vehicle and passenger ferry services to Grand Manan, White Head and Deer Islands through the Fundy Islands Ferry Services Project.

As part of this initiative, the province will welcome the 82-vehicle Grand Manan Adventure in June 2011. This $65 million (US) investment by the provincial government will provide the region with greater economic opportunities, and the largest growth potential for tourism traffic in the Island's history.

During the summer season, Grand Manan will benefit from a significant increase in daily vehicle capacity from 630 to 1,000. In the winter season, daily car capacity will be increased from 480 vehicles to 640.

In March of 2009, the provincial government announced that Eastern Shipbuilding Group of Florida were the successful bidders on the Grand Manan Adventure, chosen through a competitive tender process. The new ferry will replace the 44-year-old Grand Manan which carries 25 vehicles.

The Department of Transportation currently owns five vessels operating in coastal waters. The Lady White Head operates between Grand Manan and White Head Islands. The Deer Island Princess II and the John E. Rigby operate between Letete and Deer Island. The Grand Manan V and the Grand Manan will continue to operate between Blacks Harbour and Grand Manan Island, until the Grand Manan Adventure's arrival in June.

New ferries for Deer Island and White Head Island are being designed and tendered through the province's traditional process.

The new ferry for White Head Island will hold 12 cars, a four-car increase over the Lady White Head. The new ferry for Deer Island will hold 24 cars, and will replace the 18-car John E. Rigby.

The new Deer Island ferry will be operational in 2012. The new White Head Island ferry is scheduled for delivery in 2011.

These developments are part of the provincial government's efforts to modernize transportation service to support tourism, economic development and the future prosperity of the Fundy Islands.