Northumberland Ferries Limited update on MV Confederation and MV Saaremaa 1
CHARLOTTETOWN – Jeff Joyce, Vice President of Marine Operations and General Manager of Northumberland
Ferries Limited (NFL), is issuing the following statement concerning the status of MV Confederation and MV
Saaremaa 1, operating the Prince Edward Island-Nova Scotia ferry service:
MV Saaremaa 1
“Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) discovered additional mechanical issues with the number four main
engine Friday morning. Due to these issues, MV Saaremaa 1 will not be returning to service at NFL this season. The
vessel is continuing to progress main engine repairs, and once the engine repairs are complete, MV Saaremaa 1 will
be prepped for its return voyage to Quebec, likely at the end of October.
MV Confederation
The repair work on MV Confederation's bow visor continues to progress well. NFL has conducted a comprehensive
internal risk assessment to identify and mitigate potential hazards associated with operating without the bow visor.
As a result of that, NFL has engaged the Classification Society and Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security to
determine if the vessel could be safely operated and how risks and hazards could be mitigated to ensure passenger
safety. If the process is not successful, MV Confederation’s return to service remains 9 December 2024.
NFL will continue to work closely with the shipyard in Pictou, Nova Scotia and believe that the schedule can be
improved. NFL will be in a better position to forecast any schedule improvements by the end of this month.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through these challenges. We will keep you informed
of any further developments as they continue to evolve.”