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March 25, 2016

Maine-to-Nova-Scotia ferry service reintroduced

Courtesy / Bay Ferries Ltd.

Bay Ferries Ltd., the Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island-based ferry company that operated CAT services from 2006 through 2009, said it will launch high-speed ferry service between Maine and Nova Scotia in mid-June.

It has leased the USNS Puerto Rico from the U.S. Navy for two years, and will rename the ferry “The Cat.” The high-speed ferry, which will take 5½ hours to traverse between Maine and Nova Scotia, can hold up to 282 vehicles and 866 passengers.

A preliminary schedule calls for the ferry to depart Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, at 8 a.m. daily. Return service from Portland would be at 2:30 p.m., putting the ferry back in Nova Scotia by 9 p.m., according to the Bangor Daily News.

“The ferry is an important service for Canadian tourism and a cultural connection to Maine,” said Portland Mayor Ethan Strimling in a statement about the upcoming reintroduction of ferry service.

As part of the new service offering, the government of Nova Scotia has agreed to invest $23.3 million (Canadian) into the service during its initial year, with funds going toward retrofitting the Navy catamaran, startup costs and a $10.2 million subsidy for marketing and operations during the first season.

Read more

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Judge rules that Nova Star ship can leave Portland

Developer building Portland hotel buys waterfront lot and Ocean Gateway Garage

Casco Bay Island Ferry Service nabs $296K grant for parking upgrades

Former Portland ferry operator files bankruptcy, owes city $62K

Portland officials unanimously approve ferry lease

The Cat headed to Portland after successful sea trials

Three weeks in, The Cat still finding its footing

Ridership aboard The Cat rises, but empty seats remain

That’s a wrap: The Cat finishes its first season

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