Quebec seeks investigation of Davie over ferry contracts

(QUEBEC CITY) — The Quebec government has asked the province’s financial overseer to investigate ferry contracts awarded to Chantier Davie Canada, The Globe and Mail reported. The inquiry would be part of a broader look by the province’s auditor general into the financial management of the government ferry corporation, Societe des traversiers du Quebec.

Davie has been the target of political criticism over two ferries that will operate between Tadoussac and Baie-Ste-Catherine in Quebec’s Charlevoix region. The shipyard in Levis, Quebec is still working on the two ships, which were supposed to be delivered in 2015 but have been plagued by major delays and a $100 million cost overrun. They are to be powered by liquefied natural gas.

Societe des traversiers has already paid $125 million to Davie for the two ferries, including a $20 million payment that was made “under protest,” meaning that the provincial agency has reserved the right to seek repayment at a later date.

The federal and provincial governments have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into the Davie shipyard over the past decade, including a $229 million federal loan for three offshore supply vessels. Only one of those ships was completed.

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By Professional Mariner Staff