Name the Vessel Contest launched by Marine Atlantic

April 25, 2008

Port aux Basques, NL – This Fall, Marine Atlantic Inc will be chartering a new vessel for its fleet and today launched a “Name the Vessel” contest for students in Newfoundland and Labrador and in Cape Breton. The announcement was made today by Rob Crosbie, Chair of the Board of Directors for Marine Atlantic, at a luncheon in Port aux Basques.

“We are excited to be adding a new vessel to our service, which will mean more passengers, cars, and goods can be carried on the Gulf Ferry Service. We want everyone to share in the excitement and that’s why we are asking students across the Province and in Cape Breton to help us find the right name for the new ferry,” said Crosbie.

To get involved, students must submit a name along with an explanation that is not more than 250 words as to why the vessels should be christened this name. Full details are available on the Marine Atlantic website (www.marine-atlantic.ca). The contest is open to all students from Kindergarten to Level III in schools in Newfoundland and Labrador and in Cape Breton.

Students have until May 30 at 5 p.m. (N.L. time) to submit their entries to contest@marine-atlantic.ca or via fascimile to 709.772.8975

“Marine Atlantic is a vital part of the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador as it is the only year-round passenger ferry service to and from the Province, and for the newest member of our fleet we need a name which depicts the importance of our service,” said Crosbie. “Students can explore the heritage of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Corporation’s history, the marine history in the region, and Atlantic Canadian Heritage to get ideas for potential names. We want your suggestions and to tell us in an essay of not more than 250 words why Marine Atlantic should use your chosen name for our vessel.”

First prize in the “Name the Vessel” Contest will see the winner (and three other persons including guardian) invited to participate on the vessel's premiere voyage and related festivities.

The winner will also receive a cash prize of $1,000.00 along with $1,000.00 for his/her school. The second prize recipient will receive four adult round-trip tickets on the vessel including passenger, vehicle and on-board accommodations, for use any time on availability. The winner’s school will receive 25 adult round-trip fares, for use anytime on availability. Finally, the third prize recipient will receive four adult round-trip tickets on the vessel including passenger, vehicle and on-board accommodations, for use anytime on availability. The winner’s school will receive fifteen (15) Fifty dollar ($50.00) Marine Atlantic gift certificates.

Marine Atlantic is a federal Crown corporation which operates the ferry service between the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.

Its vessels carry people, vehicles, and the commercial units which deliver goods and products to and from Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a vital part of the economy of the province as it is the only year-round passenger ferry service from the Province Newfoundland and Labrador to Canada.