Mandate:
Marine Atlantic Inc. is a Crown Corporation that fulfills Canada’s constitutional obligation to support freight and passenger ferry service between North Sydney, Nova Scotia (NS), and Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Marine Atlantic also offers a seasonal service between North Sydney, NS, and Argentia, NL.
Marine Atlantic owns three ferry terminals in North Sydney, NS, and Port aux Basques and Argentia, NL, respectively, and it operates a fleet of four ice-class vessels, namely the Ala’suinu, the Blue Puttees, the Highlanders, and the Leif Ericson. The vessels are configured to accommodate both commercial freight and travelers.
In a typical year, Marine Atlantic derives revenues of over $100 million from its activities, and receives approximately $150 million from the federal government to cover its operating and capital shortfalls.
The Ala’suinu (meaning ‘traveler’ in Mi’kmaw), joined Marine Atlantic’s fleet in summer 2024. It services the Argentia route in the summer and the Port aux Basques route throughout the rest of the year. The new vessel features many modern design elements to improve the passenger experience, and notably, it is one of the, if not the most, accessible vessels of its type in the world. The design includes energy efficient technology, aligning with the Government’s focus on reducing carbon emissions.
Profile:
President and Chief Executive Officer: Murray Hupman
Chairperson of the Board of Directors: Gary O’Brien
Board of Directors: 10 directors (including the Chief Executive Officer)
Size: 1,388 employees at peak employment in 2023/24