Canada Acquires MV Northumberland to Restore Ferry Service on PEI and Nova Scotia Route
Canada is looking to reinstate reliable ferry transport on the crucial Prince Edward Island (PEI) and Nova Scotia route with the arrival of the ro/pax ferry MV Northumberland. The government procured the ferry in November 2023 as a temporary replacement for the former MV Holiday Island, which was decommissioned after a fire in July 2022.
The 130-meter (426-foot) Northumberland, previously known as MV Fanafjord, made its way to Pictou, Canada on January 26 after a 5-week journey from Norway. The Canadian Coast Guard announced ice-breaking operations around Pictou to facilitate the ferry’s final stretch of the voyage.
After undergoing final refit work, the 2007-built ferry, with a capacity of 600 passengers and 180 vehicles, is set to commence service at the start of the 2025 operating season. It will operate on the critical route that has faced challenges since the Holiday Island incident.
The federal government acquired Fanafjord for C$38.6 million (US$27 million) in response to the pressing need to restore reliability on the PEI and Nova Scotia route. Operated by Northumberland Ferries Limited, the ferry will serve until a replacement for Holiday Island is constructed and ready for service in 2028. Holiday Island was one of the two vessels servicing the route, the other being MV Confederation.
In September 2024, Confederation collided with a pier on Prince Edward Island, resulting in damage that required repairs. The operator, Northumberland Ferries, attributed the incident to a mechanical failure in the visor, which needed extensive repairs. With only one ferry operational following the mishap, the company faced additional challenges when the leased MV Saaremaa encountered persistent engine issues.
The PEI and Nova Scotia ferry route plays a vital role in supporting the regional economy and providing jobs for around 200 individuals. It contributes approximately C$39 million (US$27 million) annually to the local economy and serves as a popular tourist destination during the summer months.
Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture, expressed optimism about the arrival of MV Northumberland, emphasizing the government’s commitment to reinstating a safe and reliable ferry service for residents, businesses, and tourists who rely on it.
The government’s acquisition of Northumberland aligns with its Ferry Services Contribution program, which aims to ensure federally-owned ferry assets are part of a secure, dependable, and cost-effective transportation system. The program provides funding to private operators for ferry operations and maintenance, with the government currently owning four ferry vessels and six shore facilities leased to operators.
In response to the series of service disruptions, the federal government deemed Northumberland’s frequent issues unacceptable and initiated an audit of the company. Transport Canada has solicited proposals from independent firms to conduct the audit.
Established in 1941 to provide essential ferry services, the company is expected to resume operations on the Prince Edward Island route in May 2025 for the summer season. Alongside its sister brand Bay Ferries, the company also maintains ferry services from Nova Scotia to New Brunswick and Maine.