Marine Atlantic announces agreement for charter vessel

Marine Atlantic has announced a new five-year charter agreement with Stena to lease the vessel A Nepita, a move aimed at increasing capacity across its ferry service.

The A Nepita is ice-class rated and equipped with three bow thrusters, allowing it to operate in challenging marine conditions. Designed to carry both passengers and commercial vehicles, the vessel will help expand overall capacity while offering onboard amenities similar to those on Marine Atlantic’s existing fleet, including cabins, restaurants, and seating areas.

Before entering service, the vessel will undergo modifications to ensure compatibility with Marine Atlantic’s docking infrastructure. The A Nepita is expected to arrive in Canada in the summer of 2026, followed by integration work and crew familiarization. Marine Atlantic anticipates the vessel will be ready to enter service in the fall.

Most recently, the A Nepita operated in Europe with Corsica Linea on the Marseilles-to-Corsica route.

Marine Atlantic says the addition of the vessel is expected to have a positive impact on operations and customer service, with further updates to be provided as integration work progresses.