Marine Atlantic says all reservations on the new ferry the Ala’suinu have been closed between June 10 and July 5 while mechanical issues on the new vessel are assessed.

The ferry arrived in Nova Scotia after sailing around the globe from the shipyard in China where it was built, but problems were identified that officials say require further investigation.

Details on those problems have not been provided other than to say it involves the ferry’s lubrication system.

Last week, Tourism Minister Steve Crocker was quick to express his concern over the delay in getting the new ferry in operation.

Marine Atlantic says once the impact to operations is better understood, they intend to provide additional capacity to cover bookings over that period.

A full briefing on the situation will be provided tomorrow morning at 11. VOCM News will be there.