Four companies have put in a bid to operate the Yarmouth Ferry next year, according to the Department of Transportation.
Spokesperson Brian Taylor says the four all applied on Friday before the deadline.
He would not confirm the companies, saying the process is confidential.
Staff are expected to evaluate the bids over the next several weeks.
The Nova Scotia government has doled out $39.6-million to Nova Star Cruises in its first two years of service.
Minister Geoff MacLellan said last week he expected a decision to be made before the end of October.
