Nova Scotia ferry service to 'boost' regional economy
Portland officials on Thursday said the soon-to-open Nova Star ferry service between the city and Nova Scotia will boost the city’s waterfront and the regional economy.
The Bangor Daily News reported that city officials and the public gathered on Thursday to celebrate the 1,200-passenger vessel as it arrived at Ocean Gateway Terminal for the first time ahead of its May opening. The Nova Star, which has a 220-car capacity, will be christened on May 12 in Boston following final renovation work on the ship.
The service run by STM Quest, a joint venture between Eliot-based Quest Navigation and Singapore-based shipbuilder ST Marine Ltd., will provide daily trips from Portland and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia from May through Oct. 31. One-way tickets, which are $139 per person for rides between June 12 and Sept. 8 and $79 for the remaining time, went on sale in March.
While Portland has not conducted an official study on the Nova Star’s potential economic impact, Greg Mitchell, the city’s economic development director, said that estimates suggest cruise ships create approximately $100 in direct spending per passenger. A spokesman for STM Quest said cargo service is currently not being considered.
The Maine Tourism Office will assess the ferry service’s economic impact on Maine by examining passenger totals, restaurant and lodging sales, motor coach traffic and hotel occupancy rates during the Nova Star’s first season. Carolann Ouellette, the office’s director, told the BDN there has already been discussions about linking the Nova Star to charter bus companies that are considering new routes to and around Portland.
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments