MV Northumberland (2006)
Canadian ferry
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
MV Northumberland is a Canadian RORO ferry which operates on a seasonal basis between Caribou, Nova Scotia and Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island from May to December. It is operated by Northumberland Ferries Limited (NFL).[2] The vessel is owned by the Government of Canada and was acquired as an interim replacement following the loss of MV Holiday Island in 2022.[1]
- Fanafjord
- Northumberland
- Fjord1 (2007–2023)
- Government of Canada (2023–present)[1]
CharlottetownNorthumberland arriving in Caribou, July 2025 | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name |
|
| Owner |
|
| Operator | Northumberland Ferries Limited[2] |
| Port of registry | Charlottetown |
| Builder | Aker Yards in Brattvåg, Norway[3] |
| Completed | 2006[3] |
| In service | 2007-present |
| Identification | IMO number: 9344758 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Ferry |
| Length | 129.8 m (425 ft 10 in)[3] |
| Beam | 18.7 m (61 ft 4 in)[3] |
| Draught | 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in)[3] |
| Decks | 8[2] |
| Installed power | Diesel engine |
| Propulsion | Diesel-electric propulsion; azimuth thrusters |
| Speed | 19.5 knots (36.1 km/h; 22.4 mph) |
| Capacity | 600 passengers; 180 vehicles; 18 tractor-trailers |
Construction
Northumberland was constructed at the Aker Yards shipyard at Brattvåg, Norway, and completed in 2007.[3] The vessel is a double-ended roll-on/roll-off ferry designed for short- to medium-distance crossings with frequent port calls.[4]
As built, the ship measures 129.8 m (425 ft 10 in) in length, with a beam of 18.7 m (61 ft 4 in) and a draught of approximately 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in).[3] The ferry has eight decks, including two vehicle decks and enclosed passenger accommodation.[2] Propulsion is provided by a diesel-electric system driving azimuth thrusters, allowing for enhanced maneuverability in confined harbours.[3]
Service history
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The vessel entered service in 2007 as Fanafjord for Fjord1, operating on ferry routes in western Norway.[3]
Following a major engine-room fire aboard Holiday Island in July 2022, the Government of Canada sought an interim replacement to restore capacity on the Wood Islands–Caribou route while permanent replacement vessels are developed.[2] On 16 November 2023, Public Services and Procurement Canada announced the acquisition of Fanafjord for this purpose.[1] The ship was subsequently renamed Northumberland.
Northumberland was retrofitted at Fiskerstrand Verft and delivered to Transport Canada in December 2024.[5]
Northumberland arrived in Canada on 26 January 2025 and was berthed in Pictou, Nova Scotia for additional refit work prior to entering service.[2][6] The vessel entered service in mid-June 2025, operating alongside MV Confederation to restore two-ship operations during peak-season demand.[6]