Refurbished ferry begins sailing between Saint John, N.B., and Digby, N.S.

DIGBY, N.S. – A refurbished ferry began its daily journeys between Digby, N.S., and Saint John, N.B., on Tuesday.

Don Cormier, the vice president of operations at Bay Ferries, said the 15-year-old MV Fundy Rose began its twice daily summer crossing with about 200 passengers aboard.

He says the ship purchased by Transport Canada for about $45 million is faster than its predecessor MV Princess of Acadia.

Cormier estimates MV Fundy Rose makes the journey across the Bay of Fundy in about two hours and 15 minutes in good conditions, about 45 minutes quicker than the old ferry.

The 124-metre vessel is named for the bay it crosses and also for Rose Fortune, a woman born into slavery and relocated to Annapolis Royal, N.S., after her family escaped the British colony of Virginia.

The ship has been in Halifax since December of last year undergoing an engine overhaul, replacement of carpeting and tiles, installation of a truckers’ lounge, a children’s play area and a business lounge.