PERSEAS. Photo from the broker, Go Shipping & Management

H.-JOURNAULT to restart Rimouski–Forestville route on St Lawrence

FerryThe Greek-built double-ender PERSEAS, now renamed H.-JOURNAULT, has completed its transatlantic voyage and is in Canada being adapted for service under the Canadian flag. The vessel is expected to restart a ferry route across the St Lawrence River between Rimouski and Forestville, which runs only during the ice-free season. Crossings are due to begin in May 2027, subject to approval from the Quebec authorities.

The 75 m long, 16 m beam ferry was built in 2024 by Frantzis shipyard in Perama. It will carry up to 350 passengers and 90 cars on the one hour 50 minute crossing. Like most Greek double-enders, the vessel has four engines, each coupled to an azimuth thruster, which gives good redundancy and manoeuvrability.

The ferry was bought by Rilec Industries, whose owner, Louis-Olivier Carré, has so far invested CAD 22.5 million in the venture. The shore ramps in both ports are rated only for lighter vehicles. The aim is to finish the necessary infrastructure work in time for heavy vehicles to use the service.

nov 11 2026