The province has received business plans from three companies interested in operating a ferry in Yarmouth. The deadline for proposals was Thursday, July 4. The companies that made submissions are Balearia Caribbean, Ltd., P and O Ferries and STM/Quest. STM/Quest also bid on the last ferry rfp (details of that bid Here) Balearia Caribbean is owned by spanish company Balearia – who operates ferries from florida to the Bahmas, and Gibralter to Africa. P&O Ferries, operates several vessels in the English Channel and Irish sea, and is a european contemporary to Marine Atlantic.

A team of representatives from the Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership and government departments will evaluate the plans as quickly as possible. The plans will be assessed based on criteria similar to the request for proposals. Criteria include financial stability, a management structure with expertise and a history of managing successful ferry services, and tourism and marketing experience.

The ferry partnership continues to play a key role by providing expert advice, promoting the opportunity, contacting companies, acting as a local contact and now evaluating plans. 

You can view the Request for Proposals Here (PDF)