Marine Atlantic clarifies statements made by Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association

In a media release issued yesterday by the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA), a number of statements were made related to Marine Atlantic's ferry service, former commercial reservations system and future fleet configuration.

Commercial reservations system - In recent months, Marine Atlantic received a request from the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) to examine the possibility of returning to a commercial reservations system. In response, Marine Atlantic met with members of the RCC and has now hired an independent firm to initiate a review of the past and current commercial reservation processes, to evaluate the needs of the commercial and retail industries. At this time, no decision has been made on a return to commercial reservations. Marine Atlantic is committed to working with the commercial trucking industry and retail operators to develop a process that balances the needs of customers and Marine Atlantic. Any discussion on a future commercial reservation process will involve representatives from both the commercial and retail sectors.

Future fleet configuration - The Corporation operates a four-vessel fleet. Lease arrangements are in place for the MV Atlantic Vision until fall 2014 with a renewal option, and the MV Blue Puttees and MV Highlanders until 2016 also with renewal options. The MV Leif Ericson is owned by Marine Atlantic. The Corporation works closely with the Government of Canada to balance the needs of its customers and service, and no decisions have been made to change the current fleet configuration. Marine Atlantic continually evaluates its fleet requirements based upon a range of factors including projected traffic volumes and regional economic growth.

Argentia service - Marine Atlantic remains committed to its Argentia operations and continues to invest in infrastructure upgrades.

Marine Atlantic is committed to working with customers and its partners to ensure a modern and efficient fleet that offers a high level of customer service.

-30-

Media Contact:

Darrell Mercer

Communications

Telephone: 709.772.0073 or 709.727.2405

Email: [email protected]