MV Blue Star Ithaki named new ferry for N.B. to N.S. route
Federal government spending $44.6M on vessel to replace Princess of Acadia
The federal government has purchased a ferry to replace the existing one for the route between Saint John, N.B., and Digby, N.S.
The MV Blue Star Ithaki is being bought from a Greek ferry operator and will replace the MV Princess of Acadia.
The MV Princess of Acadia started sailing across the Bay of Fundy in 1971. It is temporarily out of service until Nov. 7 for repairs to the bow thruster.
The replacement ferry was built in 2000 by Daewoo Industries and has at least 20 years of useful life remaining, according to a news release from the federal government.
The MV Blue Star Ithaki is 124 metres long, 19 metres wide and has a cruising speed of 20 knots.
The vessel was purchased for $44.6 million and when it arrives in Canada, modifications will be made to meet Canadian safety regulations and to make it compatible with infrastructure in Saint John and Digby.
Transportation Minister Lisa Raitt says the MV Blue Star Ithaki will ensure the ferry service continues to be safe and reliable. She said the service is important for the economy and tourism in the region.
Ferry service with the MV Blue Star Ithaki is expected to begin in 2015.