News Release

DEER ISLAND (GNB) – The Abnaki II, a new 24-car ferry for Deer Island, has been christened during a ceremony in the community.

“We are pleased this new ferry will soon be in service for the people of Deer Island and those visiting one of the most picturesque parts of our province,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser. “We are especially pleased to see our fleet upgraded with a state-of-the-art vessel built here in New Brunswick by people with the know-how, qualifications and ability to deliver on this project.”

The ferry was built by Saint John-based Custom Fabricators and Machinists. It is the sixth ferry the company has built for the provincial government since 1983.

Coastal Transport will operate the ferry.

“This new vessel will play an important role for this community, now and over the long term,” said Fraser. “Seeing this ferry come into service is part of our commitment to foster economic development for communities big and small, and to ensure a good quality of life for all New Brunswickers.”

More than 60 names were suggested by island residents, with the local service district’s advisory committee participating in the process to select the name Abnaki II.

The name is in recognition of the Abnaki, the First Nations people who inhabited the area. The sequential numbering recognizes that the name was used by a previous ferry, the Abnaki, which served this route until 1999.

Joyce Stuart, chair of the West Isles local service district, performed the christening of the Abnaki II. Rev. Maurice Hatfield blessed the vessel.