Marine Atlantic announces approximately $80 million in Nova Scotia investments as part of major infrastructure improvement program

North Sydney, NS – Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Sydney - Glace Bay and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, along with Murray Hupman, President and CEO of Marine Atlantic, today announced approximately $80 million in Nova Scotia infrastructure investments as part of a new multi-year capital infrastructure program to modernize critical shore-side infrastructure, improve service reliability and support the long-term delivery of safe, efficient ferry service between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Marine Atlantic provides an important transportation link for residents, visitors and the commercial trucking industry, connecting Newfoundland and Labrador to Nova Scotia through the Trans-Canada Highway. This investment will help ensure the organization can continue delivering the safe, reliable and efficient ferry service that people and businesses depend on. 

The program will renew and expand key marine transportation infrastructure to address asset condition, capacity constraints, safety requirements, and long-term operational resilience. Planned improvements are expected to enhance terminal efficiency, strengthen service continuity and improve the customer experience. 

In North Sydney, planned work includes dock extensions and auto-mooring upgrades, along with electrical improvements to support shore power. These investments will help modernize the North Sydney terminal property, improve loading and unloading capacity, and support more efficient connections for customers and commercial traffic using Marine Atlantic’s ferry service. 

For customers, the program is expected to support increased service reliability, improved loading and unloading efficiency, safer vessel berthing and reduced delays related to berth capacity. Together, these projects will strengthen service delivery today while positioning Marine Atlantic to meet future demand with modern, more resilient infrastructure. 

Quotes 

"Marine Atlantic is an important transportation link that connects communities, businesses, and families between Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. This investment of approximately $80 million will modernize critical infrastructure in North Sydney, improve service reliability, strengthen supply chains, and support economic growth on both sides of the Cabot Strait. By investing in resilient, efficient transportation infrastructure today, we are ensuring Canadians can continue to count on safe and dependable ferry service for years to come." 

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon 
Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons 

“Marine Atlantic is part of the story of life in North Sydney. It's how families stay connected, how businesses move goods, and how communities on both sides of the Cabot Strait remain linked. These improvements will help create a more modern, efficient terminal, reduce delays, improve reliability, and ensure this important service can continue to meet the needs of passengers and commercial traffic for years to come. By strengthening this gateway, we're investing in the people and communities that depend on it." 

Mike Kelloway 
Member of Parliament for Sydney—Glace Bay 
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport 

“Investing in North Sydney’s terminal infrastructure will strengthen a vital gateway between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. These improvements will support safer, more reliable and more efficient ferry operations for the passengers, communities, and businesses that depend on this important service.” 

Murray Hupman 
President & CEO, Marine Atlantic 

Projects under the program will advance through planning, environmental and regulatory review, and open competitive procurement processes, where possible, in keeping with Marine Atlantic’s commitment to safety, environmental responsibility and value for money. 

About Marine Atlantic 

Marine Atlantic is a federal Crown corporation that provides a year-round ferry service between North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as a seasonal service between North Sydney and Argentia. As the constitutionally mandated marine link in the Trans-Canada Highway, Marine Atlantic provides an important transportation service for passengers, vehicles, and commercial traffic. 

Media Contact: 

Darrell Mercer, Corporate Communications 
Marine Atlantic 
Telephone: (709) 772-0073 or (709) 727-2405 
e-mail: [email protected] 

Shaylyn Kolanko 
Office of Mike Kelloway 
Member of Parliament for Sydney-Glace Bay 
Telephone: (902) 578-9878 
e-mail: [email protected]