The Second SS Bruce

Marine Atlantic, its predecessor CN Marine, and pre-confederation Newfoundland coastal boats have a strong and proud history serving the people of Atlantic Canada through ferry terminals, passenger vessels and rail service.

In this week’s blog posting we highlight the second SS Bruce which served the Port aux Basques-North Sydney crossing from 1912-1915.

Although the original SS Bruce was the first vessel to connect Port aux Basques and North Sydney in 1898, the second vessel of the same name was twelve feet longer and 400 tons heavier than its predecessor. With new design features that made it better in ice, improved sound proofing and watertight compartments, the vessel was praised for its service to the Gulf crossing. While it was a very popular vessel, it was also very valuable to the war time effort which was recognized by the British Government. After only a few short years connecting the Dominion of Newfoundland with Canada, the vessel was sold to the Russian Government as part of the allied combat activities.