End of subsidies puts an end to high-speed ferry service from Maine to Canada

High-speed ferry ends service from Maine to Canada

PORTLAND, Maine — A high-speed ferry that has run between Maine and Nova Scotia for more than a decade is discontinuing service because the operation is no longer financially viable.

Bay Ferries Ltd. announced Friday that it is ending the seasonal service after being told by Nova Scotia officials this week that government support would not be available for the 2010 season.

CEO Mark MacDonald says the company has been hurting from the weak economy, a strong Canadian dollar and new U.S. passport rules. Passenger counts this year were down 10 percent from 2008.

Bay Ferries operated The Cat from Bar Harbor and Portland to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The ferry operated seasonally from late May to October, coinciding with Maine’s tourist season.

The 320-foot catamaran can travel at speeds up to 40 knots.