The Provincial Government is taking another step toward strengthening the province’s ferry system and supporting the long-term growth of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine industry with the release of a request for proposals (RFP) for a consultant to review the capacity and readiness of the provincial shipbuilding industry to construct three new ferries for the intra-provincial ferry fleet.

Reliable ferry services are essential to connecting communities, supporting local economies, and ensuring residents and businesses can access vital transportation links throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. As part of the Provincial Government’s ongoing efforts to improve service reliability and stability, the consultant will assess the province’s current shipbuilding capabilities and the requirements necessary to support future ferry construction in the province.

The successful proponent will engage with industry stakeholders, including shipyard operators, designers, construction firms, labour representatives, and government partners, to gather information and conduct a comprehensive analysis of existing infrastructure, workforce capacity, skills requirements, and industry readiness. The consultant’s final report will identify gaps and provide recommendations on potential strategies to address them. It will help identify workforce training needs, infrastructure requirements, and potential investment opportunities needed to support a sustainable and competitive shipbuilding industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The closing date for submissions is August 6, 2026, subject to change if required, with a final report anticipated to be completed late fall 2026.

Information on public calls for bids issued and awarded by the Provincial Government and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl

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“This assessment will help us identify the capacity, training needs, and investments required to develop a sustainable shipbuilding sector that can support future ferry construction in our province. Building ferries in Newfoundland and Labrador begins with a unified strategy and strong collaboration with industry partners from the outset to ensure long-term success and create economic opportunities for years to come.”
Honourable Barry Petten
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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