On Saturday, one hundred members of the Deer Island, New Brunswick community came together to christen the new Deer Island Ferry built by Saint John-based Custom Fabricators and Machinists (CFM). 

Joyce Stuart, Deer Island resident of 65 years and tireless advocate for the Deer Island community, thanked CFM for the construction of the ferry. “The ferries are our lifeline to the mainland. It’s a beautiful vessel. We want to thank CFM for the great job they’ve done building this ferry.”

Members of Saint John based CFM James Brown and Ewan Scott (left) on the Abnaki II with Christopher Richardson, Chief Mate (centre).

Christopher Richardson, Chief Mate of the Abnaki II, said that the new ferry is a blessing for the island. “This is my home. All of my family and friends are here and we’re all very proud to be here today. Having this new vessel will be a great improvement to servicing this community,” Richardson said.

Deer Island residents celebrate christening of the Abnaki II, the new ferry built by CFM.

CFM is part of the J.D. Irving Group of Companies. David Saucy, Vice President of the Construction and Equipment Division expressed pride in this project. “CFM is a New Brunswick company that serves customers all over the world. Today we’re especially proud to celebrate a project in our home province,” Saucy said. “Thank you so much to the team of 100 at CFM who worked on this project for New Brunswick.”

Among the one hundred community members who celebrated the christening of the new 24-car ferry, was Deer Island resident and retired ferry captain John Minor. “I was ferry captain for 19 years and worked on the first Abnaki for part of that time,” Minor said. “I just liked being out on the water. I’m impressed with the boat - it’s nice to have it here, that’s for sure."

The ferry is 360 tons, and 42 meters in length. It is equipped with the latest marine and safety technology and operates. Together, the Abanki II and the Princess II will make over 20 trips per day between Deer Islands and L’Etete.