A Maine based company has been selected to enter into negotiations with the Nova Scotia government to re-establish and then run a ferry service between Portland and Yarmouth.

STM Quest, a joint venture between ST Marine Ltd., a Singapore-based shipbuilder  and Quest Navigation of Maine.

“We look forward to launching the cruise-ferry service beginning in 2014 and we are committed to providing a world-class cruise-ferry service for generations to come,” said Steve Durrell, chief operating officer for Quest Navigation.

loading...

Ferry service from both Portland and Bar Harbor to Yarmouth ended back in 2009 when Bay Ferries LTD ceased the operation.  Tourism rates in the Yarmouth Nova Scotia area have been dismal at best since then.

Governor Paul LePage has thrown his endorsement behind STM Quest, he said that Maine will help financially and with marketing in the venture.

The goal of all parties involved is to wrap up the negotiations by September 1st.

More From WDEA Ellsworth Maine