ST. JOHN’S, Nfld. — An enterprising fleet owner who decided to bypass troublesome Marine Atlantic by leasing his own barge to haul loads from Hamilton, Ont. to Newfoundland says he’s relieved after his vessel completed its first voyage.

Greer Hunt of Hunt’s Transport told the CBC that the ship arrived at Conception Bay South on Sunday, seven days after departing Hamilton. It can haul 60 trailers per trip.

Marine Atlantic has been mired in controversy after introducing a reservations system which small carriers say favours big companies. By leasing its own barge, Hunt’s Transport is no longer at the mercy of the Crown Corp.

“We can move more freight and service our customers a little better,” Hunt told CBC. “Marine Atlantic is there and hopefully they’ll improve on some of their services, I think they need to look at their reservations system, I don’t think that’s working.”