Rough waters early for newest Marine Atlantic ferry

NORTH SYDNEY, N.S. — It hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for Marine Atlantic’s flagship vessel.

Despite being touted as one solution to ending the Crown Corporation’s notorious loading and reliability issues, the Atlantic Vision has had its fair share of problems since its maiden voyage in April. 

This morning, the Atlantic Vision was forced to return to port in North Sydney, after fire broke out in a thermal heating unit.

Last month, the 203-metrer long ferry changed course on its own and veered toward the shore after leaving port in Newfoundland, according to reports.

And loading and scheduling delays still persist, affecting both passengers and truckers.

Sue Irvine, the Canadian Auto Workers union representative for some Marine Atlantic employees, blames making beds and cabin cleaning inside the Vision for the delays.

The vessel has 200 cabins, three times as many as Marine Atlantic’s Caribou ferry.

The extra housework adds a few hours to the ferry’s turnaround time, and the company wasn’t prepared for the change, Irvine told CBC.

The ferry service is also looking at changing its loading plan so that rooms can even be cleaned while vehicles are being loaded.

 


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