Marine Atlantic hikes rates 4%

ST. JOHN’S, Nfld. (Jan. 15, 2002) — Ferry operator Marine Atlantic will hike commercial rates 4% starting Feb. 1, in step with a similar increase for passengers that took effect at the beginning of the year.

The one-way cost for a truck between North Sydney and Port aux Basques will jump $11, to $286 from $275. Rates will rise on the Argentia, Nfld., to North Sydney run when it resumes in the spring.

The rate hike is the first for commercial traffic in five years, the federal Crown-operated ferry service said. An 8.5% fuel surcharge was implemented last January, however. The surcharge has not been removed.

Marine Atlantic said its traffic fell 6% in 2001 compared to the previous year, while costs have increased.

Truckers may have an alternative. Last November, Rigel Shipping Canada announced plans to run a freight ferry service from Belledune, N.B., to Corner Brook, Nfld., starting next June.

Routing Newfoundland-bound truck freight through northeastern New Brunswick rather than Sydney, N.S., would save hours of transit time. Ferries would sail twice weekly.

Rigel, based in Shediac Cape, N.B., has been shopping for a vessel capable of carrying 150 truck trailers. Prices, according to Rigel president Brian Ritchie, “will represent a fairly good saving from the existing method.”