Marine Atlantic Ferry woes

Government and Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador issued a joint statement on Friday calling on the Federal Transportation Minister to do something about delays with Marine Atlantic’s newest vessel, the “Ala’suinu.”  

Government and Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador issued a joint statement on Friday calling on the Federal Transportation Minister to do something about delays with Marine Atlantic’s newest vessel, the “Ala’suinu.”  
The Crown Corporation announced on Friday that work to clean debris from the vessel’s fuel and lubrication system has been ongoing for the past three weeks. Also, it will require more time before the ferry can be put into regular service. Tourism Minister Steve Crocker and HNL CEO Craig Foley are also asking for a meeting with the ship’s owner, Stena North Sea Limited, as well as Marine Atlantic. The news release has them quoted as saying, “It is completely unacceptable for one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s vital transportation links to be inoperable during the peak tourism season. We know that businesses are suffering significant losses due to cancellations from the rerouting of passengers from Argentia to Port aux Basques, not to mention the considerable inconvenience that it has created for both visitors and residents of the province. We are deeply concerned about the damage this has done to our reputation as a tourism destination.”  The Argentia service will be delayed until July 10th and extra crossings have been added on the Port aux Basques run.