Marine Atlantic year in review shows fuel cost $24.6 million more than last year

There has been a 65 percent increase in passenger traffic and commercial traffic is up by 2.7 percent putting revenue at $239 million.

Marine Atlantic presented their 2022-23 Annual Review of Activities yesterday. The Crown Corporation is reeling from the drastic decline in passenger traffic during the covid pandemic. Board Vice President of Finance, Shawn Leamon, says the year represented a major step in the recovery. He says there has been a 65 percent increase in passenger traffic and commercial traffic is up by 2.7 percent putting revenue at $239 million. Leamon says $139 million was generated from user pay, and the Federal government provided a $130 million subsidy. He says they work on a balanced budget approach, which means they do not make a profit. Leamon says fuel costs continue to be a big expense and costs $24.6 million more than the previous year. Board chair Gary O’Brien says employees continue to provide reliable, essential ferry service. He says during the past year  there has been a rebound in the number of travellers. President and Chief Executive Officer, Murray Hupman, says they listened to customers and introduced pet friendly cabins. He says their new vessel, which will be on the Argentia run, is on time to be ready by next spring. During the past year, the Crown Corporation donated $35,000 to causes to help those affected by Hurricane Fiona, introduced sick pay,  and constructed a new administration in Channel-Port aux Basques, due to open in the spring.