From the Press Release:
Economic and Rural Development and
Tourism Minister Graham Steele announced today, Aug. 13, the province will enter
into negotiations with STM Quest Inc., a proposed joint venture between ST
Marine Ltd. and Quest Navigation, to set up and run a ferry between Yarmouth and
Portland, Maine.
Three companies submitted
business plans to operate the ferry service from Yarmouth to Maine, beginning
next year. The flexible process allowed the evaluation team to communicate with
the companies, requesting more information, asking questions about the plans
they submitted and meeting with each of them.
After the thorough process,
the team chose to begin negotiations with STM Quest Inc.
“We would like
to thank the government of the province of Nova Scotia for their confidence in
selecting us to help restore this vital service,” said Steve Durrell, COO of
Quest Navigation. “We would also like to assure all Nova Scotians that we will
devote our efforts to delivering the best value and a world-class cruise ferry
service that will benefit all the people of Nova Scotia and serve as a symbol
that makes everyone proud.”
A team of representatives from the Nova
Scotia International Ferry Partnership and the province evaluated the plans
based on financial stability, a management structure with expertise and a
history of managing successful ferry services, and tourism and marketing
experience.
“It’s encouraging to see this process continue to move ahead
on such an important transportation link,” said Keith Condon, co-chair of the
Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership. “Knowing the province is entering
negotiations on a proposal that would see a ferry in Yarmouth in 2014 is good
news for the community and we are looking forward to a final
announcement.”
The province remains committed to investing up to $21
million over seven years to a qualified operator with a viable and sustainable
business plan showing a viable service
For more on Quest’s Previous Proposal, See This Post
