(Saint John) After delays due to repairs, a new Marine Atlantic ferry sailing between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia is expected to make its maiden voyage Wednesday evening.
Darrell Mercer, a spokesman for the ferry service, says about 427 passengers are expected to board theAla’suinu for the crossing between North Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Argentia (Newfoundland and Labrador) at 5:30 p.m. local time.
The name of the new ship is a Mi’kmaq word meaning “voyager.”
The ferry was originally scheduled to begin service on June 14, but Mercer said the date was pushed back after debris was found in fuel lines and lubrication systems, which had to be flushed to prevent engine damage.
Mercer said the delays impacted passengers who had booked interprovincial travel, adding that most of them were redirected to Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador, an 850-km journey.
Passengers received a refund and compensation of $200 for adults and $100 for children, which they could use for their crossing from Port aux Basques or keep for later use.
On Wednesday, Marine Atlantic announced there would be further cancellations of voyages booked for July 17 and 18 due to personnel safety training that was not available for previous port trials.
Mr Mercer said that in total, around 9,500 trips had been cancelled, with passengers being offered alternative routes via Port aux Basques.
“We are very pleased to welcome theAla’suinu within our fleet and begin welcoming guests to Argentia service this season,” said Murray Hupman, president of Marine Atlantic, in a press release.
“I want to apologize to all customers who have been affected by this schedule change.”