There will be a new ferry operator in Yarmouth next year.
The Nova Scotia government says Bay Ferries is the preferred candidate to operate the ferry from Yarmouth to Maine.
The two sides have entered into contract negotiations.
Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan says four proposals were received, evaluated and Bay Ferries got top marks.
“It fundamentally came down to their experience, their expertise, their understanding of this market. Not only have they operated here but they have succeeded here.”
Bay Ferries operated the Yarmouth to Maine route from 1998 to 2009 before the NDP government ended the service.
Meanwhile, MacLellan says they had challenges with Nova Star Cruises.
“Some of the financial reporting, of course, the inconsistency with the required level of subsidy. Many of those factors over two years that really made it difficult for us to continue with that relationship.”
Contract details will be released once negotiations are complete.
Meanwhile, Bay Ferries Chairman Mark MacDonald says the company is pleased to have been selected by the province.
In a statement, MacDonald says they understand the importance and want to work with the province to rebuild the service.
Nova Star Cruises says it is disappointed it wasn’t selected to continue operating the ferry.
