Ferry service between P.E.I. and N.S. cancelled for Thursday after brief resumption Wednesday
The ferry service between eastern P.E.I. and northern Nova Scotia faced disruptions once again on Wednesday, shortly after resuming operations for just one round trip across the Northumberland Strait. The general manager of Northumberland Ferries Ltd., Jeff Joyce, stated that a technical issue with the “load sharing” of the engines caused the cancellation of the 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. crossings from Wood Islands, P.E.I., and the 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. crossings from Caribou, N.S.
Joyce explained that the engines were out of sync, resulting in a lack of power for propulsion. Although the technical problems were resolved, all departures for Thursday, Dec. 5, were canceled due to forecasted weather conditions, with further updates awaited for Friday, Dec. 6. A wind warning was issued for Kings County in eastern P.E.I., predicting southeasterly gusts of up to 90 km/h for Thursday.
The MV Confederation had just resumed service at 10 a.m. on Wednesday after being out of commission since September 15 due to damage sustained when it hit the dock in Wood Islands. The vessel had been undergoing repairs in Pictou, N.S., for nearly three months. Despite the anticipation for a smooth operation, the technical issue arose, leading to the cancellation of subsequent sailings.
The second ship on the route, MV Saaremaa, had also faced engine repairs but never returned to service before being returned to the Quebec provincial ferry service that owns it. This loss of a reliable ferry service has caused challenges for tourism operators and businesses relying on transportation to and from the Island, forcing them to use the Confederation Bridge to New Brunswick.
Businesses in the area, represented by Blair Aitken, president of the Eastern P.E.I. Chamber of Commerce, expressed disappointment with the stop-and-start season and highlighted the need for a reliable two-ferry service in 2025. Politicians have been advocating for guaranteed two-ship service until the completion of a new ferry by Chantier Davie Canada Inc., with delivery estimated for fall 2029.
In response to the ongoing issues, Transport Canada acquired MV Fanafjord, a Norwegian vehicle ferry currently undergoing refurbishment and sea trials in Europe before arriving in Canada for the 2025 ferry season. Joyce emphasized the company’s focus on rebuilding trust with residents and business owners in the area and ensuring a reliable start to the 2025 sailing season.
As the community watches closely for improvements in service reliability, the commitment to restoring confidence in the ferry service remains a top priority. The integration of MV Fanafjord and the implementation of necessary measures will be crucial in achieving a seamless and dependable ferry service for residents and businesses in the region.
