New Bay of Fundy ferry arrives from Greek Isles

The replacement ferry for the Princess of Acadia arrived in the Bay of Fundy Tuesday morning.

After a week-long journey from the Mediterranean, the new ferry pulled alongside the wharf normally occupied by the Princess of Acadia.

Almost immediately, crews began working at the terminal, adjusting the ramp to make it compatible with the new vessel.

“We need to verify things at different tides, make sure there are sufficient clearances for high-sided vehicles, but we anticipate everything will go well,” says Don Cormier, Bay Ferries Ltd.

Similar work will be needed in Digby, N.S., then the ship will undergo an extensive refit in Halifax.

“Overhauling main engines and basically converting the ship to something pretty close to new, so it will be exciting to have that as a new attraction for Saint John, Digby, and the Bay of Fundy,” says  Cormier.

The ship is temporarily operating under the name Canada 2014, but will need a new name, which will be left up to the federal government to choose.

Until recently the ferry was serving the Greek Isles. It was purchased by Transport Canada for $45 million.

West Saint John residents, like Phillip Greenlaw, have watched the daily arrival of the Princess of Acadia for 40 years. Greenlaw says the change is overdue.

“We need this boat real bad. We’ve needed a new boat for a long time and we’re happy to see her and hope she works out for the best, for both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.”

Built in 2000, the replacement is said to have at least 20 years of useful life left in it.

The ferry is expected to be in service for the 2015 tourism season.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron