It seems as though the ferries around this end of Nova Scotia are being used as a political "bargaining chip" (both Provincially and Federally), first, the Yarmouth ferry contract for STM Quest has not had the " T "s crossed and " I "s dotted yet, while, a month ago, the now outgoing Provincial Government had stated that everything was ironed out, apparently not true from what I'm reading in recent news. On the Digby-Saint John route, we should know more in the next few months as back on June 24, the Federal Government has said by the fall they could have some news about a new suitable replacement. However, finding a ship to fit the berth layout on both sides (with or without modifications to the existing infrastructure) as well as redundancies like a 4 engine configuration (most ships today are in a 2 engine configuration) might be an issue. In my opinion, the Federal Government should look into a new build if no suitable replacement is found. As for the Yarmouth side, if no deal can be reached, P&O Ferries seems like the best operator to me for a cruise ferry run to New England.
Links
Digby Courier article from August 17
Yarmouth Vanguard article from October 18
CTV Atlantic news from October 16 on Yarmouth ferry deal
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