Marine Atlantic Names Charter Vessel Île Rouge
St. John’s, NL – Marine Atlantic is proud to announce the name of its charter vessel, Île Rouge, a name that reflects the deep French history of Newfoundland and Labrador and recognizes the Francophone community within the province.
The name was selected following consultation and dialogue with the Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador, recognizing the cultural and historical importance of the name to the Francophone and Acadian community.
Île Rouge is a small island located across from La Grand’Terre on the Port-au-Port Peninsula and is closely linked to the history of the French cod fishery along Newfoundland’s French Shore between 1714 and 1904. The name honours both these historical contributions and the vibrant, present-day Franco-Newfoundlander community whose roots remain strong in the region.
The vessel will accommodate approximately 921 persons and includes 150 passenger cabins, 48 of which are pet-friendly. Onboard amenities will also include food service options, lounges, a children’s play area, and a kennel for pets.
Modification work on the vessel is currently underway in Greece, with Marine Atlantic expecting to take possession of the vessel at the end of May. Once in Canada, the vessel will undergo familiarization, crewing, and Canadian flagging activities in preparation for service.
On this International Day of the Francophonie, Marine Atlantic remains committed to respectful engagement with communities connected to Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and culture, and to ensuring that the vessel’s name reflects those shared values.
Quotes
“On this International Day of the Francophonie, the naming of Île Rouge is a meaningful tribute to the rich Francophone heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador and the vibrant communities that continue to shape it today. As a proud Islander, I am pleased to see this recognition reflected in a vessel that will serve Canadians and strengthen connections between regions. This initiative highlights the importance of celebrating our linguistic duality and ensuring that our national transportation system reflects the diversity and history of the people it serves.”
The Honourable Steven MacKinnon
Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
“We are very pleased that our vessel will carry a name of such historical and cultural significance. By choosing Île Rouge, we are helping ensure that the French language and the Francophone presence in Newfoundland and Labrador are recognized and celebrated every day. I want to thank the Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador for their meaningful consultation and guidance as we prepare to welcome this vessel into service later this year.”
Murray Hupman
President and CEO, Marine Atlantic
“As a Franco-Newfoundlander and President of the FFTNL, I am particularly pleased that Marine Atlantic recognizes the French heritage and history of our province,” said Tony Cornect, a native of Cap St-Georges and the descendant of a Breton fisherman.
Tony Cornect, President
Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador
Marine Atlantic and the Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador will host a joint media availability today at 1:30 p.m. at Marine Atlantic’s office in St. John’s, located at 10 Fort William Place, 3rd floor, Baine Johnston Centre. Media representatives are invited to attend.
Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer, Corporate Communications
Marine Atlantic
Telephone: (709) 772-0073 or (709) 727-2405
e-mail: [email protected]
Gaël Corbineau, Executive Director
Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador
Telephone: (709) 800-6200
e-mail: [email protected]