A report by the Auditor General on the provincial government’s acquisition of two state-of-the art ferries for $100-million has found many shortcomings and failures in the department responsible.

The Legionnaire and Veteran very quickly went from gem to joke in communities which rely on them. The AG began three and a half years ago reviewing the process used to purchase the vessels, which were built for the Fogo and Bell Island runs, and the problems experienced.

During the first three years of operation, the two vessels had a total of 607 days out of service.

The AG cites numerous flaws including lack of planning by government, lack of representation at the shipyard in Romania during test runs, no final performance runs upon arrival in the province, and incomplete record-keeping which added significantly to the time required to complete the review.

Government also spent millions on expanding on shore facilities to accommodate the larger vessels. As a result, the Legionnaire did not go into service a full 20 months after it was ready.

The AG has made numerous recommendations.