Nova Scotia extends CAT ferry for two more sailing seasons

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

The ferry sailing between Yarmouth and Bar Harbor, Maine, will be sticking around for at least two more years.

The service, operated by Bay Ferries Ltd., has been extended for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, the province announced on Tuesday morning. After the 2026 season the province will have to sign new agreements for the vessel, the operator and the landing terminal in the U.S.

Related:

• Ferry service between Nova Scotia, P.E.I. won’t resume until at least Oct. 19

“Our job with the ferry service is making sure it delivers good value for all Nova Scotians, and we continue to do the work to understand its impact,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland in a news release. “This progress report shows us ferry passengers stay longer, spend more and travel throughout the province. It also illustrates the importance of maintaining consistency with the service.”

Along with news of the service extension, the province released the results of an economic impact study looking into the ferry service.

Government said the study will continue to collect data through the fall, with a final report expected in 2025.