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On the Nova Scotia – Newfoundland run the ferries operate year ‘round and this year the ice has been bad. These are large “Northern Baltic Class 1A” ice-breaking ferries and quite capable of handling most ice conditions but the past few days they’ve needed some help from the Coast Guard Breakers.
It’s interesting the contrast between the east and west coasts: All these ferry routes fighting ice conditions are south of the 49th parallel (the US-Canada border across the west) and all are further south than any route that BC Ferries operates
Yesterday (Mar 7/15) delays due to ice conditions in the Gulf of St. Lawrence plus a mechanical issue put three/quarters of the Marine Atlantic Newfoundland fleet in port at North Sydney, NS. First photo (L to R) Leif Ericson, Blue Puttees and Atlantic Vision. (the fourth ferry, the Highlanders was enroute from Port-aux-Basques)
ghCBNS Member # 3093
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There was also a visitor to North Sydney.......the C.T.M.A. Ferry "Vacancier" from the Iles-de-le-Madeleine was diverted to North Sydney because of the heavy ice on its usual route to Prince Edward Island. Marine Atlantic, being a Crown Corporation with bilingual staff was able to accommodate the predominantly French speaking C.T.M.A. passengers with check-in and ticketing.
I’ve been on winter crossings to Newfoundland. Most make the run in the schedule 6 or 7 hours but I can remember a couple: a 15 hour detour to avoid the ice and 36 hours riding out a storm. Just make sure you have a cabin in winter…..a lot more comfortable than sitting up in coach if you get stuck and they’ll keep you well fed (but there’s no complementary bar!)
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Mr. GH, I know I tend to be disparaging about the Love Tubs, but these vessels are all different. They transport passengers and vehicles Point A to B and where there is no alternative surface transport available.
They are factors of commerce, and not just some kind of float that provides one with "three hots and a cot" and from that platform, entice the "captives" with an array of goodies to empty the pockets.
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