New ferries arrive for St-Pierre-Miquelon

People in St-PierreandMiquelonand their vehicles have a new way to travel,thanks to the arrival of two new passenger ferries.

The Nordet and Suroit arrived Tuesday night from Turkey, according to the region's tourism association.

Each vessel can transport about 200 passengers, 15 cars and threetractor-trailers.

The new ferries replace an existing boat that could not accommodate vehicles, and operated only from April to December.

Having two vessels on the run will also mean improved access to Miquelonwithout travelling through St-Pierre.

Business boost for Newfoundland?

The mayor of Fortunesaid earlier this fall that the new ferry service could prove to be a boost in tourism dollars.

"It should mean a vast expansionof the tourist trade and freight traffic between here and St. Pierre," saidCharles Penwellin October.

He said many residents of the French islands make the trek to Fortune to buy things that are cheaper there.

St-Pierre-Miquelonhas a population of just over 6,000 people. The islands are a self-governing territory of France, located 25 kilometres from the coast of Newfoundland.

Both vessels will undergo two weeks of sea trials before beginning their service to Fortune. The ferry ride will take just over an hour.