Discover the Alakai: Ratings & Maritime News

Bay Ferries Ltd. has announced that the CAT ferry 'Alakai' will not be in service on August 8 and August 10 as it undergoes crucial main engine repairs. This temporary suspension affects two key sailings: the trip from Portland, Maine, to Yarmouth, N.S., scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8, and the return journey from Yarmouth, N.S., to Portland, Maine, set for 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 10. Passengers with reservations are encouraged to adjust their travel plans by contacting customer service at 1-888-868-9728. For further information regarding scheduling and updates, travelers can visit Bay Ferries' official website.

The high-speed ferry 'Alakai', which operates between Portland, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, encountered significant engine issues during its voyage, prompting tugs to assist as it docked in Portland on July 31, 2017. The vessel has been struggling with engine malfunctions since late June, when the company had to suspend its service for a day. On this latest journey, the loss of the third engine rendered the ferry less maneuverable, leading to heightened concerns for its operational capacity. During the crossing, an abnormality was identified in one of the remaining engines, further complicating the situation. As a result, the ferry is unlikely to return to service between the two ports until at least August 3. Due to these complications, the company canceled the scheduled return trip to Yarmouth on August 1, as well as the journey from Nova Scotia back to Portland. Since last month, the 'Alakai' has been running on a reduced schedule, operating with just three engines due to previous issues. To accommodate affected passengers looking to travel to southwest Nova Scotia, the ferry service has arranged an additional crossing on its Bay of Fundy route, departing from Saint John, New Brunswick, at 8:15 p.m. and heading to Digby, Nova Scotia.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — This summer, ferry enthusiasts can look forward to the return of high-speed ferry service connecting Maine and Nova Scotia. Unlike its predecessor, which struggled financially, the new vessel promises a faster and more efficient journey. Mark MacDonald, the president of Bay Ferries, a Canadian firm, announced the operational details at a press conference. The service will utilize a twin-hulled ferry leased from the U.S. Navy, designated as USNS Puerto Rico. This agile vessel is capable of completing the 212-mile trek in just 5 and a half hours, a significant improvement over the 11-hour journey offered by its predecessor, the Nova Star, which halted operations in October. Notably, this new ferry is reminiscent of a previous high-speed vessel Bay Ferries operated from 2006 to 2009, aptly named the CAT. With a nod to nostalgia, MacDonald confirmed that the Navy ship will be rebranded as the CAT. He shared his confidence in the service during a Halifax, Nova Scotia news conference, stating, 'Yes, the CAT is back.' The one-year charter agreement, signed with the Navy, grants the military the right to reclaim the ship if necessary, although MacDonald expresses doubt that this will occur. The USNS Puerto Rico is set to accommodate between 700 and 750 passengers and 280 vehicles. Originally, this ferry served as a transportation vessel in Hawaii under the name Alakai.