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<\/a><\/div>\n\nFrom the Press Release:
Economic and Rural Development and
\nTourism Minister Graham Steele announced today, Aug. 13, the province will enter
\ninto negotiations with STM Quest Inc., a proposed joint venture between ST
\nMarine Ltd. and Quest Navigation, to set up and run a ferry between Yarmouth and
\nPortland, Maine.<\/p>\n
Three companies submitted
\nbusiness plans to operate the ferry service from Yarmouth to Maine, beginning
\nnext year. The flexible process allowed the evaluation team to communicate with
\nthe companies, requesting more information, asking questions about the plans
\nthey submitted and meeting with each of them.<\/p>\n
After the thorough process,
\nthe team chose to begin negotiations with STM Quest Inc. <\/p>\n
“We would like
\nto thank the government of the province of Nova Scotia for their confidence in
\nselecting us to help restore this vital service,” said Steve Durrell, COO of
\nQuest Navigation. “We would also like to assure all Nova Scotians that we will
\ndevote our efforts to delivering the best value and a world-class cruise ferry
\nservice that will benefit all the people of Nova Scotia and serve as a symbol
\nthat makes everyone proud.”<\/p>\n
A team of representatives from the Nova
\nScotia International Ferry Partnership and the province evaluated the plans
\nbased on financial stability, a management structure with expertise and a
\nhistory of managing successful ferry services, and tourism and marketing
\nexperience. <\/p>\n
“It’s encouraging to see this process continue to move ahead
\non such an important transportation link,” said Keith Condon, co-chair of the
\nNova Scotia International Ferry Partnership. “Knowing the province is entering
\nnegotiations on a proposal that would see a ferry in Yarmouth in 2014 is good
\nnews for the community and we are looking forward to a final
\nannouncement.”<\/p>\n
The province remains committed to investing up to $21
\nmillion over seven years to a qualified operator with a viable and sustainable
\nbusiness plan showing a viable service<\/p>\n