2023-06-05 21:06:17
After eight weeks in technical shutdown, the ferry “F.-.A.-Gauthier” is back in service at the Matane-Côte-Nord crossing.
During this shutdown, which is mandatory to maintain Transport Canada’s operating licence, maintenance and painting work was carried out on the vessel.
During this shutdown, several safety elements are also checked.
“We are going to talk about the inspection of life rafts and evacuation systems, among other things,” confirmed the communications advisor for the Société des Traversiers du Québec Bruno Verreault.
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During this technical stop, the relief vessel “NM Saaremaa” was in service.
The users of the crossing had to be patient during this period, since the ship had to modify or cancel departures and round trips on 10 occasions.
“When we arrive in the center of the river, it will stir a little stronger with the Saaremaa, which means that sometimes there will be cancellations”, explained Bruno Verreault.
Several crossings had to be redirected from Godbout to Baie-Comeau and, on seven occasions, the ferry simply canceled departures.
“We will redirect the ship to the Baie-Comeau side, because, on the Godbout side, it is much more exposed to the elements,” confirmed the STQ spokesperson.
The “NM Saaremaa” does not have the same size as the “F.-A.-Gauthier” and is not able to face difficult navigation conditions in the same way.
The vessel has no particular limitation from Transport Canada regarding sailing conditions.
The ferry captain makes the final decision whether to sail or not.
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