Ramp repair compounds Marine Atlantic woes

Last Updated: Monday, August 9, 2010 | 6:33 PM AT Comments22Recommend13

CBC News

The discovery of a stress fracture on a ramp at the Marine Atlantic terminal in southwestern Newfoundland slowed down the ferry operator's commercial service.
A problem with a hinge on one of two loading ramps in Port aux Basques was discovered on Friday night.
Gerard Merrigan says Marine Atlantic immediately launched repairs at one of its loading docks in Port aux Basques. (CBC) "We had a small stress fracture in the ramp," said terminal manager Gerard Merrigan.
"We felt that it was in the best interest to have it repaired immediately before we continued operating."
Because Port aux Basques has a second ramp, crews with the Crown corporation were able to keep loading and unloading passenger vessels.
However, truckers and others who use the commercial service were faced with delays while repairs were done, and crossings with the Leif Ericson ferry were pushed back.
The problem comes quickly on the heels with three of the ferries that connect southern Newfoundland with Nova Scotia.
Repairs were made this weekend, although the Leif Ericson has been working through delays. It is expected to return to the regular schedule by Tuesday.
Marine Atlantic has had a difficult summer. In addition to mechanical errors and delays, Marine Atlantic has come in for fierce criticism over its commercial reservation system.