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CAT Ferry

CAT ferry contract extended for 2027

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Just days after the contract ended for the CAT ferry, the provincial government and Bay Ferries Ltd. have signed an extension to keep it going.

The new contract runs through 2027 on the typical schedule of travelling from Yarmouth, N.S., to Bar Harbour, Maine, from May to October.

The government says they are still working with Bay Ferries Ltd. to “secure a sustainable, long-term future for the service,” according to a news release.

Public Works Minister Fred Tilley called the extension “a success under difficult circumstances.”

“We know our job is not done, and we will continue to pursue options that will give the people and businesses that depend on the ferry service the certainty they deserve.”

Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood says it is good news.

“We’re thrilled to see the extension for the year with the understanding that the province and Bay Ferries are looking at long-term service,” says Mood in an interview with Aadia News.

Mood explains how much a long-term deal would benefit businesses.

“They can’t get a long-term loan if there’s not a long-term service. These are their clients that are coming across,” says Mood.

She says she’s optimistic a longer deal will eventually be established considering the numbers that prove the service is growing.

About 44,000 passengers used the ferry during the 2026 season, an increase of about 10 per cent compared to the year before, according to the province.

And the majority of those passengers—85 per cent—are from the United States.

The province says the ferry’s benefit extends to communities across the province, and it means more money for local businesses, more jobs, and more overall financial benefits.

A 2026 study showed people who travel on the ferry tend to stay longer and spend more money than average visitors, the government says.

The President and CEO of Bay Ferries Ltd., Mark Wilson, says that 10 per cent growth in travellers is a testament to the hard work of the people who work on the ship and at the terminal.

“We are already looking forward to the 2027 season,” wrote Wilson in the release.

cat ferry

No CAT deal signed with just 40 days left on contract

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Public works minister Fred Tilley says there’s nothing new to report when it comes to securing a contract for the CAT ferry.

The ferry carries up to 866 passengers to and from Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and back. The current contract for the vessel leased from the United States ends after this year’s travel season.

Recently, a study from the Government of Nova Scotia showed the vessel plays a significant role in the economy of both the local area and the province, and that a majority of the users are American tourists.

Tilley has previously said that he understands the importance of the CAT to both the province and the local economy.

“We’re currently working on the best possible solution for Nova Scotians in 2027, we understand how important the ferry is,” said Tilley in a press conference on Thursday.

Earlier in August Tilley had said he expects to have more information about the status of the ferry “very soon“.

When asked about whether he’s considered using a different vessel for the contract, Tilley responded with a firm “no”.

According to Bay Ferries Limited, the company that operates the ferry service, 2026 has been the most successful season since the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This robust growth is primarily driven by higher numbers of American tourists using this important service,” said Mark Wilson, the CEO of Bar Ferries Limited. “We look forward to welcoming all visitors to Nova Scotia and continuing to strengthen the relationships that make this cross-border connection so valuable.” 

Should no deal be reached, the ferry will make its last voyage on Oct. 14.

Cat-ferry

Minister Tilley says long term deal for CAT Ferry is “the main goal”

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Public Works Minister Fred Tilley said the government is still working on a contract extension for the CAT ferry.

With just over two months left on the current agreement, there’s still no deal between the province and the government of the United States, who own the vessel used by Bay Ferries Limited.

The ferry carries up to 866 passengers to and from Bar Harbour, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. A study published by the Government of Nova Scotia in February 2026 showed the ferry plays a significant role in the economy of both the local area and the province, and that a majority of the users are American tourists.

In a press conference earlier this summer, Tilley said he understands the importance of the ferry to the province, and that he’s working on finding a solution that works for Nova Scotians. 

Speaking with the media on Aug. 6, Tilley said he expects to have more information “very soon.”

“The main goal obviously, is a longer term deal,” said Tilley. “But to get there we may need a shorter term deal.”

The current agreement expires at the end of the 2026 season. If no deal were to be in place, the ferry’s last trip would be on October 14.

Cat-ferry

‘CAT’ ferry sets sail with increased passenger interest

The sailing season for the ‘CAT’ ferry kicked off Thursday in southwestern Nova Scotia with an increase in passenger interest.

In a news release, Bay Ferries says the Yarmouth to Bar Harbour-Main vessel had 17,771 passengers that made reservations for the 2026 season.

That compares to the 13,727 in 2025 – an increase of more than 29 per cent.

“The ‘CAT’ arrived back in Yarmouth on May 2 following its winter maintenance period, with the entire team focused on training, safety and readiness ahead of the start of the 2026 season,” says CEO Mark Wilson.

Wilson says everything is in place for a successful service and Bay Ferries looks forward to welcome customers.

The ‘CAT’ still does not have a long-term contract with the current agreement expiring this season. However, according to the province, they are working on the issue.

A recent economic impact study showed a positive outlook.

Dalene Grant Fiander, President of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS), says the ferry is a critical access point bringing in visitors from the United States.

“We are very pleased that the ‘CAT’ service kicks off today what is looking like a strong operating season for 2026,” says Grant Fiander. “With global uncertainty at an all-time high, having a direct marine link into the lucrative US market is key for our economic goals.”

The ‘CAT’ sails until October.