Nova Star finds winter route to aid next season
The Nova Star ferry will stay open this winter after finding a winter route that will generate revenue and help the vessel return for a second season next year.
The Portland Press Herald reported that Nova Star Cruises’ plan to operate in the offseason was disclosed by company President and CEO Mark Amundsen, days after he said that the ferry would end its inaugural season three weeks early. While no further details were provided, Amundsen said an announcement will be made next week.
“[The ferry] will be fully employed all winter and come back into service next year,” he told a business gathering on Thursday, according to the newspaper.
Amundsen said the ferry that provides service between Portland and Nova Scotia had a rough first season financially, with lower-than-expected ticket sales, in part because travel habits have changed since the previous Nova Scotia service halted.
As previously reported, Nova Star Cruises will likely require more financial investment after spending the $21 million in subsidies from Nova Scotia's provincial government that was originally supposed to be dispersed over seven years. Company officials and Nova Scotia officials are reported to be working with the state of Maine on obtaining a $5 million line of credit, with assistance being provided by the Finance Authority of Maine.
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