The Cat last ran ME-NS in 2018

Bay Ferries Ltd, operators of 'The Cat' ferry which this summer ran between Bar Harbor, ME and Yarmouth, NS say the service had a "successful" 2022 season, having completed 113 round trips carrying 36,151 passengers - about 75% Americans - and 14,972 vehicles.

Bay Ferries SVP Mark Wilson said:

"We are pleased with the performance of the ferry service in the 2022 operating season, particularly given the very challenging U.S. market factors, the three-year service hiatus and the change in U.S. port to Bar Harbor."

(In 2018 The Cat sailed from Portland, ME.)

Although 2022 ticket sales were 35% below 2018 - the last year the service ran prior to 2022 - Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association CEO Neil MacKenzie said the ferry produced "positive results" for NS tourism.

However, the Province of Nova Scotia will be issuing later this fall an RFP for a "broad" economic impact analysis to determine if the service delivers value to taxpayers.

NS Premier Tim Houston and Public Works Minister Kim Masland have expressed disappointment by the 2022 passenger numbers - but have extended the charter and terminal lease for The Cat for 2023 at a cost of about $17M.

Bay Ferries blames hurricane Fiona for the loss of 2000 passengers in the 2022 season.

Comment: Can't wait to see the economic analysis. Will the costs incurred to store and maintain the ship during inactive 2019-2020-2021 seasons ever be recovered? Is NS ahead or behind as of the end of 2022? Stay tuned.