PORT AUX BASQUES, Nfld. — Engine problems on a Marine Atlantic vessel is expected to cause scheduling issues and delays for the rest of the month, the North Sydney-Port aux Basques ferry service warned this week.

"Marine Atlantic wishes to advise its customers scheduled to travel on the Argentia/North Sydney ferry service that departure and arrival times for this service have been adjusted up to August 25, 2008," the ferry stated, adding that the run, which normally takes about 14 hours, could take up to 18 hours to complete.

The Clara Smallwood is mainly a passenger ferry, but it does accommodate a few commercial trucks — much to the chagrin of local truckers who constantly demand more tractor-trailer capacity.

Marine Atlantic has been urging customers with reservations and those who haven’t booked yet to keep a close eye on the schedules.

John Roil, president and CEO of Marine Atlantic, told CBC News the delays are due to several factors, including mechanical problems on the MV Joseph and Clara Smallwood.

He said the Smallwood is down to one engine and not running at full steam. Replacement parts to rebuild the other engine were delivered damaged, so the crown corporation had to reorder, Roil explained.

The loss of power to the vessel could add an additional four hours to the trip.