Frustration is mounting as Marine Atlantic’s newest vessel, the Ala’suinu, is plagued with more delays in getting it into service.

Tourism Minister Steve Crocker, and Hospitality NL CEO Craig Foley have issued a joint statement on the situation.

They say it is “completely unacceptable” for one of the province’s vital transportation links to be inoperable during peak tourism season.

They say businesses are experiencing “significant losses” due to passengers being re-routed, there is “considerable inconvenience” for both visitors and residents of the province, and they fear the province’s reputation as a tourism destination has been damaged.

Provincial Government and Tourism Industry Express Frustration over Further Delays to Marine Atlantic’s Argentia Service #GovNL. @TCAR_GovNL https://t.co/CZTb8Y0N8a

— Government of Newfoundland & Labrador (@GovNL) June 28, 2024

They argue the temporary measures being put in place are not sustainable, and the added strain on existing vessels and crew may negatively impact the Port aux Basques service.

They are requesting urgent meetings with Federal Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez, Marine Atlantic, and the vessel’s owner Stena North Sea Limited.