These sister ships were designed by E.Y.E. Marine Consultants to Transport Canada regulations, including the more recent “Vessel Fire Safety Regulations”, and built by A.F. Theriault  Shipyard.  The ferries are double-ended passenger and car cable-propelled ferries, intended to carry up to 15 full size passenger cars stowed in three lanes and a complement of 74 (including passengers and crew).

The “Theodore O’Hara” ferry provides service between Port Bickerton and Issacs Harbour in Country Harbour, NS.  The ferry was launched in Meteghan, NS in July, 2021.  It is replacing the previous vessel “Stormont II”.

The “Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy” provides service in Little Narrows in Cape Breton, NS.  The ferry was launched in Meteghan, NS in May, 2022.  It is replacing the previous vessel “Caolos Silas”.

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Particulars

Length Registered:	23.9 meters
Beam:	14.0 meters
Depth:	2.1 meters
Design Draft:	1.33 meters
Vessel Type:	Passenger/ 15 Car Ferry
Complement:	74 total
Classification:	Sheltered Waters
Main Engines:	2 x  CAT C7.1 Gensets
Propulsion:	cable driven
Cruise Speed:	5 knots
Max Speed:	5 knots
Fuel Oil Capacity:	7500 litres
Water Capacity:	1987 litres
Owner:	NSTIR
Shipyard:	A.F. Theriault and Sons Ltd.

Machinery and Auxiliary Systems

These ferries are fitted with two Caterpillar C7.1 generators each that provide power for the ships, as well as power for the hydraulic motors for ramp control and the bullwheels driving the cable.  Cooling for the generators is provided by radiators on the deckhouse roof.  Heat recovered from the exhaust system is used to keep ice from forming inside the cable pipes.

Outfitting

The ferries are outfitted with all Transport Canada required safety and navigational equipment, including an emergency boat and davit.

Construction

The ferries are steel construction with aluminum wheelhouses.  Scantlings were determined in accordance with ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Barges.

Vessel Pictures

“Theodore O’Hara”

“Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy”