Canada Aims to Restore Reliable Ferry Service on Critical Route to PEI

Canada is hoping to restore reliable ferry transport on the critical Prince Edward Island (PEI) and Nova Scotia route following the arrival of ro/pax ferry MV Northumberland. The government acquired the ferry in November 2023 as an interim replacement for the former MV Holiday Island which was taken out of service after a fire in July 2022.

The 130-meter (426-foot) Northumberland, formerly MV Fanafjord, arrived in Pictou, Canada on the north shore of Nova Scotia on January 26 after a 5-week trip from Norway.  The Canadian Coast Guard sent a notice that it would be conducting ice-breaking operations around Pictou to make it possible for the ferry to complete the last miles of its trip.

The vessel is expected to undergo final refit work before commencing service at the beginning of the 2025 op…