Heddle Shipyards picked for cable ferry build
Written by Marine Log Staff
Shaun Padulo, president of Heddle Shipyards: “The Simcoe Island Ferry New Build project will create and sustain skilled trades jobs here at our Hamilton shipyard and is a critical step in rebuilding the capacity of Ontario shipyards.
A CAD 3.3 million (about US$2,6 million) investment by the Government of Ontario will see Canada’s Heddle Shipyards build a new cable ferry for the route that links the province’s Simcoe Island and Wolfe Island in the spring, summer and fall.
The vessel will be built at Heddle Shpyards’ Hamilton yard and will help support up to 24 local jobs during construction.It will replace the current vessel on the route, which was built in 1963, but will allow for the transport of up to three times more vehicles than the current ferry. The new vessel will also be able to carry larger service vehicles, such as fire trucks and vehicles required for maintaining roads and infrastructure. Int is expected to be in service by late 2022.
“By delivering a brand-new made-in-Ontario ferry for Simcoe Island, our government is fulfilling its promise to deliver transportation that the island community needs,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “Building this new ferry in Hamilton will also drive regional economic growth and support good local jobs. Our province takes pride in its skilled workers, and we are excited to see the build and fulfillment of this vessel by Heddle Shipyards.”
“Heddle Shipyards is extremely grateful to Minister Mulroney and the Ontario Government for their commitment to shipbuilding in this province,” said Shaun Padulo, president of Heddle Shipyards. “The Simcoe Island Ferry New Build project will create and sustain skilled trades jobs here at our Hamilton Shipyard and is a critical step in rebuilding the capacity of Ontario shipyards. With the support of the provincial government, we will bring shipbuilding back to Ontario.”
