“The ferry has many attractive features, not the least being an active stabilization system that should improve weather reliability and offer a much smoother crossing,” says association chair Norman Lockyer.
“Through contacts in Europe, we had been aware of the probable replacement for some months, but had been requested to keep the name confidential.”
The association has had access to technical details of the ferry, which has two decks. Capacity with North American tractor-trailers and automobiles is estimated at 15 tractor-trailers on the main deck with 63 automobiles on the second deck, or125 automobiles with both decks full and no tractor-trailers.
The Bay of Fundy Marine Transportation Association represents regional stakeholder interests in the continuation of the Fundy ferry service. It has been active since 2006 when closure of the service was planned by service operator Bay Ferries.
Christopher Wright, a member of the association and a marine consultant, is impressed by the Ithaki, “a very nice ferry with lots of passenger-friendly spaces.”
He agrees that passengers, particularly in the winter, will be pleased by the ferry stabilizers, which will improve the ride and likely allow the ship to make crossings in weather conditions that may have led to cancellations of the Princess of Acadia sailings.
A video available on YouTube shows the Ithaki pitching heavily in seas that wash spray over its bow.
“The (Princess) would not, could not have sailed in that sea state (bilge keels are not a lot of help),” Wright says. “The fact that the Blue Star Ithaki was out gives me a lot of confidence we will see a lot fewer weather cancellations once the ship is on the route.”
One other likely change is in the name of the ship, which is named after the island of Ithaca. The Bay of Fundy Marine Transportation Association has written Transport Canada suggesting it run a competition for a new name.
Back in Greece, the departure of the ferry has led to some tears from residents of the Greek islands it served, and by its crew.
“The ferry has many attractive features, not the least being an active stabilization system that should improve weather reliability and offer a much smoother crossing,” says association chair Norman Lockyer.
“Through contacts in Europe, we had been aware of the probable replacement for some months, but had been requested to keep the name confidential.”
The association has had access to technical details of the ferry, which has two decks. Capacity with North American tractor-trailers and automobiles is estimated at 15 tractor-trailers on the main deck with 63 automobiles on the second deck, or125 automobiles with both decks full and no tractor-trailers.
The Bay of Fundy Marine Transportation Association represents regional stakeholder interests in the continuation of the Fundy ferry service. It has been active since 2006 when closure of the service was planned by service operator Bay Ferries.
Christopher Wright, a member of the association and a marine consultant, is impressed by the Ithaki, “a very nice ferry with lots of passenger-friendly spaces.”
He agrees that passengers, particularly in the winter, will be pleased by the ferry stabilizers, which will improve the ride and likely allow the ship to make crossings in weather conditions that may have led to cancellations of the Princess of Acadia sailings.
A video available on YouTube shows the Ithaki pitching heavily in seas that wash spray over its bow.
“The (Princess) would not, could not have sailed in that sea state (bilge keels are not a lot of help),” Wright says. “The fact that the Blue Star Ithaki was out gives me a lot of confidence we will see a lot fewer weather cancellations once the ship is on the route.”
One other likely change is in the name of the ship, which is named after the island of Ithaca. The Bay of Fundy Marine Transportation Association has written Transport Canada suggesting it run a competition for a new name.
Back in Greece, the departure of the ferry has led to some tears from residents of the Greek islands it served, and by its crew.
