DIEPPE, N.B. — A recent report released by Federal Auditor Sheila Fraser warns that Marine Atlantic is unsustainable in its current state.

The report insists the Crown Corporation, in collaboration with the federal government, should address its strategic challenges: an aging fleet and shore-based assets, which is music to the trucking industry’s ears says Gord Peddle, chair of the APTA Marine Committee.

The ferry service responsible for connecting Nova Scotia and Newfoundland has been plagued with mechanical breakdowns, and the hope a new vessel would help alleviate problems hasn’t panned out.

“Revitalization will ensure the demand of traffic is met,” says Peddle. “The trucking industry continues to incur long delays at either terminal, which has a dramatic impact on JIT service levels.”

Peddle adds, “Everyone knows what needs to be done from the feds to the general public. Let’s just get at it and provide a service that the Atlantic Provinces deserve.”