Extended Weather Event to Impact Marine Atlantic Operations

St. John’s, NL – An extended weather event is anticipated to impact Marine Atlantic’s operations from Friday morning, March 20, to Sunday evening, March 22. As a result, Marine Atlantic will be closing its terminals in North Sydney and Port aux Basques to live traffic (commercial and passenger) following the loading of its vessels for tonight’s (March 19) departures. The terminal marshalling yards will remain open, space permitting, for commercial drop trailer traffic only.

Given that multiple crossings will be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, combined with current protocols surrounding the isolation of high-risk customers in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak, and the need for social distancing, we are making this decision. Based upon current weather models and forecasts, we expect operations to resume Sunday evening.

Customers impacted will be rebooked to later crossings. Updated reservations will be provided based upon our maximum passenger limit of 250 per sailing implemented earlier this week following advice of health professionals. The MV Leif Ericson will enter service following the weather disruptions to provide additional sailings to assist in moving anticipated traffic demand.

Protecting the health and safety of customers and employees will continue to guide our decision-making process during this pandemic as we strive to maintain our essential ferry service link during these challenging times.

Media Contact:

Darrell Mercer, Corporate Communications
Telephone: (709) 772-0073 or (709) 727-2405
E-Mail: [email protected]