Ferry Advocate Urges Keeping Leif Ericson in Service

Chris Howlett lobbied MPs in Ottawa to keep the Leif Ericson in Marine Atlantic's fleet as summer bookings ran far above capacity.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Cruises

Ferry Advocate Urges Keeping Leif Ericson in Service

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Chris Howlett, part of the NL Gulf Ferry Coalition, travelled to Ottawa to press Members of Parliament to keep the Leif Ericson in Marine Atlantic's fleet. Marine Atlantic bookings reached 130 per cent of capacity at times this past summer.

Why it matters

Demand on the Gulf run has outstripped available ferry space, making vessel deployment a pressing concern for travellers who depend on the route. The lobbying effort reflects the stakes for communities relying on consistent ferry service.

Marine Atlantic bookings reached 130 per cent of capacity at times during summer 2026, measured against the ferry's available space. Whether the Leif Ericson will stay in service has not been decided.

The players

Chris Howlett

Chris Howlett is a businessman who owns Akita Equipment and serves with the NL Gulf Ferry Coalition, advocating for dependable ferry service between Newfoundland and Labrador and mainland Canada.

Marine Atlantic

Marine Atlantic is the Crown corporation that operates ferry services linking Newfoundland and Labrador with Nova Scotia and Quebec's North Shore.

The details

Chris Howlett met with MPs in Ottawa to advocate for keeping the Leif Ericson on the Gulf run. Separately, the Île Rouge is set to begin service as a swing vessel on the same route.

Summer 2026: Marine Atlantic bookings reached 130 per cent of capacity at times.
Date not specified: The Île Rouge begins service as a swing vessel on the Gulf run.

Seasonal Patterns

Peak-season overbooking on the Marine Atlantic Gulf run places fleet deployment under strain each summer. Advocacy over which vessels stay in service reflects a recurring pressure on Canada's east-coast ferry network.

Travellers on the Gulf run should expect limited space during peak summer months, so booking early is advisable. Vessel changes, including the Île Rouge joining as a swing vessel, may affect sailing schedules.

The takeaway

Summer demand on Canada's Gulf ferry route is outpacing capacity, so travellers planning crossings should book well ahead and monitor schedule changes as vessels rotate.