The MV Saaremaa, one of the ferries serving the route between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, will not return for the remainder of the season due to ongoing mechanical issues.
The ferry operated by Northumberland Ferries Ltd was leased from Quebec’s ferry service and has encountered additional problems with its main engine.
Repairs are currently underway, and the vessel is now expected to return to Quebec by the end of October.
Earlier this month, it was projected that the Saaremaa might resume operations by October 19.
However, further inspections revealed that one of its engine cylinders was out of tolerance, necessitating more extensive repairs.
This announcement follows a recent disruption in service when the Saaremaa was sidelined after a temporary fix failed. Meanwhile, the MV Confederation, the other ferry on the route, is undergoing repairs after sustaining damage from a collision with the Wood Islands wharf in mid-September.
The Confederation’s return date could be moved up from December 9 if safety assessments deem it fit for operation without its bow visor.
Since this summer, the Saaremaa has faced persistent engine troubles, leading Northumberland Ferries to lease the vessel as a replacement for the MV Holiday Island, which was lost in a fire in 2022.
