Bay Ferries Limited and Northumberland Ferries Limited Have a New Local Owner

Bay Ferries Limited and Northumberland Ferries Limited (the “Companies”) announced today that President and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Wilson, is the new owner. 

The sale to Wilson from the previous ownership group, comprised of the family of the late Mark MacDonald, Danny Bartlett, Don Cormier and Gerry Stevenson, was completed last week. 

“I very much want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the previous ownership group for not only working with me to finalize the purchase and sale, but also for their belief and trust in me to continue to advance the best interests of the Companies and the amazing group of people we employ throughout the Maritimes,” said Wilson. “Former chairman and CEO Mark MacDonald recruited me to this business four years ago and I am committed to building on the proud legacy he has left delivering safe, reliable, locally owned transportation services across the Maritimes and into Maine.” 

Wilson has been with the Companies since May 2021, starting as Vice President, Marine Operations, becoming Senior Vice President in August 2022 and then Acting Chief Executive Officer in August 2023. He was confirmed in the role of President and Chief Executive Officer in May 2024. 

“For more than 80 years, the Companies we now know as Bay Ferries and Northumberland Ferries have been transportation partners for the communities we serve,” added Wilson. “We don’t take these relationships for granted and I am committed to working with our government and community partners to better meet and exceed the expectations our customers have for us.” 

A resident of Halifax since 2021, Wilson grew up in South Rustico, Prince Edward Island, and maintains property on the Island. He obtained his bachelor's and master’s degrees in engineering from the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, later completing the Stanford Executive Program from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. 

Prior to his career in the marine transportation sector, Wilson served 23 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, with increasing senior engineering responsibilities and active service in the Persian Gulf. He then spent 11 years in various senior executive positions at BC Ferries. During this time, he worked six years as Vice President, Engineering, through which he held overall asset management responsibility for the company’s 36 vessels and 45 terminals and oversaw several major terminal and vessel construction and rebuild programs. 

About Bay Ferries Limited and Northumberland Ferries Limited 

The Companies operate ferry services connecting the communities in the three Maritime provinces and the State of Maine. Locally owned, the Companies are headquartered in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, with several sub offices in locations throughout the Maritimes. 2 Recognized as an efficient, competent, and innovative ferry service provider offering customers safe, reliable, and uniquely memorable connections to their destinations. The companies are led by a small multi-functional management team, assisted by over 300 direct employees, and the strategic use of specialized local sub-contractors. Together, the employees are dedicated to core values including people, safety, sustainability, inclusion, authenticity, and continuous improvement. 

Contact: Kelly Williams, Director, Corporate Services [email protected]