A.F. Theriault and Sons Ltd., in Meteghan River, Digby Co., has been awarded the contract to build the new Digby Neck ferry.

The new ferry will replace the 20-year-old Joe Casey.

The Joe Casey will be used as a spare ferry for provincial operations. The ferry will be about 35 metres long and 13 metres wide, accommodating 18 cars with additional seating for 10 passengers.

The government has a fleet of nine ferries operating around the province. Delivery of the new ferry is expected to be late next year.

The Joe Casey (Left) was also built by A.F. Theriault and Sons. the Joe Casey provides service to Brier Island and carries over 30,000 vehicles and 75,000 passengers per year.