Marine Atlantic, federal government announce $270M ferry upgrade

The Newfoundland ferry terminal is pictured in North Sydney, N.S. (Ryan MacDonald/CTV Atlantic)

The infrastructure that supports the ferry service between Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia is about to get a multi-million-dollar upgrade.

Canada’s minister of Fisheries, along with the president and CEO of Marine Atlantic, made the $270-million announcement in Argentia, NL, on Thursday.

According to the news release, the project is part of a new multi-year capital infrastructure program valued at about $350 million.

It will include:

• Modernizing critical shore-side infrastructure
• Improving service reliability
• Support long-term delivery of the safe, efficient ferry service between both provinces.

“Marine Atlantic is an important transportation link connecting Newfoundland and Labrador and mainland Canada. The investment of approximately $270 million will modernize critical infrastructure in Argentia and Port aux Basques and strengthen the reliability and longevity of this important transportation link,” says Steven MacKinnon, minister of Transport. “Through dock upgrades, new technologies, and cleaner operations, these projects will improve the passenger experience and support a stronger, more sustainable supply chain and transportation network for Canadians.”

The ferry serves as a transportation link for residents, visitors and the commercial trucking industry, connecting Newfoundland and Labrador to Nova Scotia and the TransCanada Highway.

“This capital infrastructure program reflects our commitment to delivering safe, reliable and progressive ferry service for the people and businesses who depend on us,” says Murray Hupman, Marine Atlantic president and CEO. “By investing in critical shore-side infrastructure today, we are improving operational efficiency, strengthening service reliability and positioning Marine Atlantic to meet future needs.”

Planned work for Newfoundland and Labrador includes:

• Ramp upgrades in Argentia
• Dock extensions and auto-mooring upgrades in Port aux Basques
• Electrical Improvements to support shore power in both ports
• Navigation improvements in Port aux Basques Harbour, including the planned removal of Vardy’s Rock.

The release says the upgrades build upon the announcement made in North Sydney, N.S., on Wednesday, which included about $80 million in dock and terminal investments.

Marine Atlantic provides a year-round ferry service between North Sydney and Port aux Basques. It also provides a seasonal service between North Sydney and Argentia.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page