Maritime island trucks grounded

GRAND MANAN, N.B. — Trucking carriers that transport goods to and from Grand Manan Island will be anchored for most of today.

According to the Telegraph-Journal, the Grand Manan V ferry, which usually takes truckers back and forth will be undergoing a refit and its replacement, the MV Astron, ran into difficulties at the last minute and had to be docked for repairs.

The MV Grand Manan gives preference to passenger-vehicles before transport trucks, so when the ship returns, truckers could be waiting further still.

Randy Brownlee, of M.G. Fisheries Ltd., told the newspaper that the ferry service routinely shows disrespect to transport trucks. “They said this is what it is, take it or leave it, too bad for you, this is the way it has got to be and it is affecting markets in Canada and the United States.”

Some truckers say they have never been on board the MV Astron and are concerned whether it’s safe enough for their trucks.

The haulers also complained that the operator charges an expensive $8.05 a metre, because “it discourages businesses from locating” on the vacation island.