MV Northumberland’s arrival a step toward restoring ferry service’s reliability, says Pictou mayor

The town of Pictou, N.S. welcomed the arrival of the MV Northumberland at its port on Sunday, marking the addition of a second permanent ship for Northumberland Ferries Limited as they prepare for the upcoming sailing season. Mayor Jim Rayan expressed optimism about the new vessel, stating that it is a significant step towards restoring reliability to the ferry service, especially after experiencing disruptions in 2024, which he described as the worst in terms of ferry interruptions.

The inconsistency in the ferry service across the Northumberland Strait stemmed from the unfortunate incident in 2022 when the MV Holiday Island had to be decommissioned due to a fire onboard. This prompted Canada’s transport minister, Anita Anand, to order an audit of Northumberland Ferries Limited to address the ongoing challenges faced by the service.

Blair Aitken, the president of the Eastern P.E.I. Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the arrival of the MV Northumberland, stating that it offers some comfort for the upcoming season. The chamber had recommended the purchase of this ferry back in 2016 and reiterated its importance in 2022 following the incident with the MV Holiday Island. Businesses like Morley Annear Limited, a trucking company in Montague, expressed relief at the prospect of a two-vessel operation, as they heavily rely on the ferry service to transport goods to the mainland.

In anticipation of the new ferry’s impact on local businesses, the Eastern P.E.I. Chamber of Commerce announced plans to conduct an impact study to gather more information about how the ferry service affects the region. Aitken emphasized the importance of having data to support their advocacy for better support and improvements in the ferry service. The chamber aims to complete the impact study by April and hold a public meeting to discuss its findings.

Mayor Rayan acknowledged the impact of ferry disruptions on local businesses in Pictou, emphasizing the need for a reliable and efficient transportation service to support economic activities in the area. The addition of the MV Northumberland is seen as a positive development that will contribute to the overall stability and connectivity of the region.