For 85 years, we’ve proudly connected Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. This page will act as a hub to share both our story as well as some never-before-seen footage of our service.
This season, we’re inviting you behind the scenes for an inside look at our operations. You’ll meet the people who make every crossing possible, and see the care and effort that goes into keeping safety at the forefront. We want you to share in the moments, both big and small, that define our work on the water.
You’re more than a passenger to us; you’re part of our community. By being transparent about our service and operations, celebrating our incredible crew, and keeping you informed throughout the season, we hope to build an even stronger connection between us.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we share more stories, updates, and insights from across the Strait.
Every weather decision starts with one question:
Can we operate safely?
In this video, we take you behind the scenes to show how weather decisions are made, from assessing wind, sea state, visibility, tides, vessel capabilities, and real-time forecasts to monitoring rapidly changing conditions across the Strait.
While the weather may seem calm in one location, conditions along the route or at our ports can be very different. Every weather-related cancellation is made with safety as the top priority.
Our goal is always to be on the water, connecting communities and keeping people and goods moving, but we will never compromise safety to do so.
Can we operate safely?
When ferry service is delayed or cancelled due to weather, our passengers see the outcome, but we want to share more about the process behind it.
Experience You Can Count On
At Northumberland Ferries, our people are part of the communities we serve. From shipboard crews to shoreside teams, our employees take pride in providing safe, reliable crossings that connect families, businesses and regions—helping keep our communities moving every day. Some examples of the people doing great work across our vessels and terminals:
Officers
An Officer is responsible for safe vessel navigation, bridge watchkeeping and coordinating passenger and vehicle loading operations. The role also includes maintaining navigational and safety equipment, supervising deck crew and supporting emergency response procedures.
Image:
Marty Harris, 1st Officer
Passenger Services
Passenger Services creates a positive and welcoming environment for both passengers and crew. This role ensures every journey is safe, comfortable and enjoyable by fostering friendly service, teamwork and high standards in cleanliness and efficiency.
Image:
Darlene Green, Passenger Services Supervisor
Relief Captain
A relief captain is a fully qualified captain who temporarily assumes command of a vessel when the regular captain is unavailable. They carry the same responsibilities as the regular captain, ensuring safe operations, regulatory compliance and continuity of service.
Image:
Murray MacLeod, Relief Captain
Deckhands
The Deckhand supports daily vessel operations by performing maintenance and cleaning duties, handling mooring lines and standing watch. This role also assists with directing vehicle traffic and transporting stores and supplies.
Image:
Jenna Morris, Deckhand
Our Fleet: Powering Reliability from the Inside Out
Safety and reliability are our top priorities at Northumberland Ferries. In preparation for our 85th sailing season, our vessels had gone major seasonal maintenance. MV Confederation was in St. John’s, NL, upgrading its critical alarm and monitoring systems, while MV Northumberland was in Pictou, NS, upgrading its propulsion system's electric drives. Additionally, both vessels had received brand-new Bridge Navigation Suites. This essential refit work helped ensure our fleet continues to deliver the dependable service our passengers and communities rely on.
Northumberland Ferries Winter Maintenance
From cross-training teams to enhancing our bridge navigation systems, every upgrade is focused on delivering a stronger, more reliable service.
MV Northumberland docked in Pictou, Nova Scotia for annual maintenance and upgrades.
MV Confederation in drydock in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Team members servicing an oil purification unit for one of the vessel Thrusters.
Upgrades underway on MV Northumberland and MV Confederation bridges, where the Bridge Navigation Suites are being modernized.
Crew members hard at work cleaning the exterior of the vessel.
A friendly face behind winter refit.
Partners Connected by The Strait
Northumberland Ferries partners with community organizations, events, artists and local businesses because we believe in being a strong, engaged community partner and in strengthening the connections between the regions we serve.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Doors Open Down East.
Celebrating 85 years of service with our community was a wonderful way to kick off the season. From crew meet-and-greets to enjoying live music, art demonstrations, exclusive cider samples and even a bunny, it was a weekend we will always remember.
Ferry Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel’s purpose is to meet quarterly to bring together a range of dynamic and influential voices from Central and Eastern PEI to provide community-informed guidance, share ideas, help shape ferry operations and service delivery. It will serve as a link between NFL and the sectors that depend on it, from tourism and transportation to business, culture and government.
Seaside Experiences
The Seaside Experiences program operates five days per week during peak season. Local artisans and makers from PEI and NS feature their product or service and give passengers an authentic connection to the region. In 2025, 30 partners participated in the program.
Red Island Cider
A Craft Cidery with a mission to create a sustainable, natural and profitable product infused with friendship and fun from the first blossom to the last sip.
Sommo Festival
A celebration of music + food + drink held annually at the Cavendish Beach Events Centre in Prince Edward Island.
Confederation Centre of the Arts
Inspires Canadians to consider our country’s past, present and future through performing arts, visual arts and interactive learning experiences.
Cavendish Beach Music Festival
Atlantic Canada’s largest outdoor concert, held annually at the Cavendish Beach Events Centre in Prince Edward Island.
Irving Oil
Since 1924, Irving Oil has been proud to deliver quality products and good energy to customers and communities.
Beach Chair Lager
Inspired by Island shores and sunny skies, this classic lager has a crisp maltiness and a subtle hoppy finish.
News & Updates
Stay informed and connected with our latest announcements and project updates.
Northumberland Ferries Achieves 33% Passenger Growth, Introduction of New Vessel, Strong Community Partnerships and Growing Onboard Experiences
Northumberland Ferries has been connecting people and places for
85 years, our journey began in 1941 with MV Prince Nova and continued with MV Northumberland in 2025.