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This June, we welcome a new vessel to our fleet: Ala'suinu.
It brings more comfort, more amenities, and more smooth sailing to your next adventure between the island of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. From pet-friendly cabins to delicious food service offerings, we can’t wait for you to experience all the Ala'suinu has to offer!
Why We Named It Ala’suinu
Ala’suinu means “Traveller” in Mi’kmaw. The name is a celebration of Marine Atlantic’s connection to the Mi’kmaw communities both in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. The name reflects Marine Atlantic’s commitment and focus on Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and was chosen after consultation with Indigenous stakeholders and employees.
Onboard, you’ll find artwork from Indigenous artists throughout the vessel.
Vessel Key Features
Amenities & Details
Constructed to the latest accessibility standards, the Ala’suinu will be compatible for use on both the Port aux Basques and Argentia routes and is expected to enter service in advance of the summer 2024 season.
Cabins in two and four-bed layouts, with accessible three-bed options available
Full-course dining and quick service options
Comfortable seating lounges with reclining seats
Children’s play area
Retail store
Multi-faith room
Gender neutral washrooms
Ice-classed vessel
Reduced underwater noise to protect marine life
Project Timeline: Building the Vessel
Your Questions, Answered
What are some of the key design features of the Ala'suinu?
The Ala’suinu is approximately 200 metres in length and offers green ship technology making it more energy efficient. The vessel’s design will incorporate dual fuel technology and will be equipped with batteries to further reduce the carbon footprint. The ship will be constructed with specific measures to reduce underwater noise and its impact on marine life. The ice-classed vessel will transport commercial and passenger vehicles and be equipped with enhanced power and thruster capability for maximum maneuvering capability.
Can I make a new reservation on the Argentia route for this summer?
Yes, you can make a reservation for passengers and your vehicle. As we complete system changes, the vessel will show as the Atlantic Vision and some accommodations will not be available. Once these updates are completed, the vessel name will be updated to the Ala’suinu; any available accommodations will be released for booking, and can be added to your reservation at that time. Be sure to subscribe for notifications at the top of this page so you can be notified as soon as accommodations become available.
I have an existing reservation for the Argentia service this summer. Do I need to do anything?
No. Your booking will automatically be transferred to the Ala’suinu and your booking number will remain the same. You will receive an updated email confirming the change by the end of March.
Is the Ala’suinu a Ro-Pax or Ro-Ro vessel?
The Ala’suinu is a Ro-Pax vessel, meaning that it is designed to carry commercial freight and offer passenger amenities.
Is Marine Atlantic buying the Ala’suinu?
Similar to the process of introducing the MV Blue Puttees and MV Highlanders, Marine Atlantic will be chartering the vessel with an option to buy.
Why are you chartering the vessel?
Our team at Marine Atlantic know our operation and the environment in which we operate. A charter period provides us with flexibility to operate the vessel on our service prior to making a long-term commitment.
Is the Ala'suinu a duplicate of the Blue Puttees and Highlanders?
The Ala’suinu is part of a series designed by Stena known as E-Flexer. Marine Atlantic’s vessel will be the 10th vessel in this series. Stena has agreed to work with Marine Atlantic and conform certain aspects of the vessel to meet our requirements. There will be a number of aspects similar to the Blue Puttees and Highlanders including it being a two-engine vessel with 3,000 lane metres. The vessel will also have similarities with the Atlantic Vision including increased accommodations for customers and employees, as well as enhanced public areas and amenities.
How was the vessel selected?
Marine Atlantic conducted a competitive procurement process open to domestic and international bidders to select a proponent to supply our new vessel. It included a Request for Qualifications followed by a Request for Proposals. The process was overseen by an independent fairness monitor.
Who was the successful proponent and why were they selected?
The successful proponent was Stena North Sea Ltd. They were selected following a detailed review process that identified them as the best proponent to meet the requirements outlined in the Request for Proposals to supply a vessel for Marine Atlantic.
Vessel Gallery
