The Atlantic Vision has had numerous problems since it went into service for Marine Atlantic. (Courtesy of Michael S. Wall)

A Liberal MP for western Newfoundland says people in his province won’t be happy when they hear where the $175 million promised in the federal budget for the Marine Atlantic ferry service is going.

Gerry Byrne, who represents Humber-St.Barbe-Baie Verte, said Thursday that most of that money will be spent on leasing and retrofitting the two sister ships of a vessel, the Atlantic Vision, that’s already making the crossing from western Newfoundland to North Sydney, N.S.

The Atlantic Vision has had numerous problems docking in Port aux Basques, N.L. On one occasion it ran aground. On another, its hull was punctured when it hit the dock.

“If we have three vessels like the Atlantic Vision on the gulf service, in particular, it's chaos," Byrne told CBC News.

He said he found out about the plan during a private conversation with Transportation Minister John Baird after the budget was tabled Thursday afternoon.

“John Baird told me they've even gone so far as to think through the names of the vessels. It's the Mila and Brian Mulroney and the Jane and John Crosbie. This thing sounds like a done deal,” said Byrne.

Minister of State, Transportation, Rob Merryfield, confirmed there is a plan to renew the Marine Atlantic fleet.

“What we really are looking at is making sure that we have enough capacity, not only for the next year, the year after, and so on, but for a decade,” he said.

Marine Atlantic officials said they need more details on what's in the federal budget, before commenting.

Federal Transportation Minister John Baird wasn't available for comment on Thursday evening.