Ready to set sail

Northumberland Ferries Ltd. says MV Confederation begins service on Tuesday

The 2018 ferry season between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia is set to begin on Tuesday, May 1.

The MV Confederation will be handling duties between Wood Islands and Caribou by itself until the MV Holiday Island joins the service around mid-June.

Don Cormier, vice-president of operations with Northumberland Ferries Ltd. said the Confederation’s schedule will initially involve five trips per day.

“I would say it is very similar to what we have been doing for the last decade, so stability and consistency is what is being offered,’’ said Cormier.

The company is also looking to enhance the on-board experience, working with various entities to bring more food options, cultural experiences and music to the vessels.

“The whole on-board experience program is evolving, so

(we’ve got) pretty exciting relationships with the P.E.I. lobster marketing board (and) we’ll be featuring recipes and sample products that are truly representative of the communities that we serve.’’

There is also going to be an addition to the Wood Islands terminal this year – a dog park.

“There will actually be a designated fenced-in green area that we will be transforming into a dog park at Wood Islands because we have the space to do it.’’

In addition, there will be programs offered to customers that allow people to buy multiple passages at a discounted rate for frequent travelers.

As for the boats, the Confederation just completed an extensive side-dock refit to prepare the ship, something which is done nearly every year.

The Holiday Island, meanwhile, is heading to drydock for normal, preventative maintenance that will take between four and six weeks.

Cormier said they tried to get the ship to Quebec for the work in early April, but ice conditions prevented that from happening.

“The next available docking date and opening is Pictou shipyard, and that’s where the ship will be going late this week. It’s rather surprising that there is still a bit of ice out there; still a bit of ice in western P.E.I., (so) we’re taking the first slot available to us, which is Pictou shipyard (in Nova Scotia).’’

Cormier said the work to the Holiday Island involves some steel work and inspections but nothing significant.