Cape Breton Post - January 14, 2015
Corporation says reductions won't last forever
ST. JOHN'S (TC Media) — Marine Atlantic announced today it will pass on savings it is experiencing as a result of cheaper oil prices to customers.
However, it warns the price drop will be short lived.
“Due to the ongoing drop in international oil prices, Marine Atlantic will be passing along short-term savings directly to customers. Effective immediately, the fuel surcharge will be decreased by six per cent,” says the news release.
While the fuel surcharge is being decreased at this time due to internal fuel savings initiatives and the declining price of oil, Marine Atlantic expects future increases will be necessary as the corporation is required to move to more expensive marine diesel fuel to meet new environmental regulations by the year 2018,” it says.
Marine Atlantic says the switch will be made during the next three years through a blended fuel process which will result in fuel costs rising until all vessels have converted to use 100 per cent marine diesel.
As a result of the increased fuel costs required to meet these environmental regulations, future fuel surcharge increases are expected, the company says in the release.
The fuel surcharge will be continuously monitored to determine when changes are necessary as a result of these regulatory requirements.
As well effective April 1, passenger fares, vehicle fares and the drop trailer management fee will increase by 2.6 per cent. “The tariff rate adjustments are necessary to reflect the continuing increased costs associated with materials, supplies and labour and ensure a strong and reliable service for customers,” says the release.
Marine Atlantic will not be increasing cabin prices or the security fee at this time.
Reservations are now available up to and including March 31, 2016.
The complete 2015-16 sailing schedule is available at www.marineatlantic.ca .
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