Marine Atlantic enters into five-year charter agreement to replace MV Leif Ericson
Marine Atlantic has entered into a five-year charter agreement with Stena to lease the A Nepita.
The A Nepita is ice-class rated, equipped with three bow thrusters, and designed to transport both passenger and commercial vehicles. The vessel will enable the organization to increase the overall capacity available on the ferry service. It is equipped with cabins, restaurants, and seating areas providing customers with amenities like other vessels currently in the fleet.
The A Nepita will undergo modifications to enable the vessel to integrate with Marine Atlantic’s docking infrastructure and is scheduled to arrive in Canada during summer 2026. Upon arrival, the organization will conduct the required integration and crew familiarization activities, with the goal of the vessel being ready to enter service in the fall.
The vessel was most recently operated by Corsica Linea on the Marseilles to Corsica ferry service in Europe. Marine Atlantic is looking forward to the positive impact this addition will have on operations and the service provided to customers. Further updates will be provided as work progresses towards the integration of this ship into the fleet.
This vessel will replace the Leif Ericson which was built 35 years ago.