Routes & Operators
Marine Atlantic's Île Rouge is due on the Gulf run within weeks
VOCM reported on 30 October 2026 that Marine Atlantic's Île Rouge is undergoing sea trials and is expected to join the Gulf ferry service in the next few weeks. The vessel is being leased from Stena for five years and most recently served between Marseille and Corsica. It will replace Leif Erikson on the Gulf run.
Source: VOCM (opens in a new tab)
VOCM reported on 30 October 2026 that Marine Atlantic's new acquisition, the Île Rouge, is undergoing sea trials ahead of joining the Gulf ferry service. The vessel is being leased from Stena for five years. It most recently served in the Mediterranean on the ferry run between Marseille and Corsica.
The new swing vessel will bring greater capacity to the Gulf run, replacing the much smaller Leif Erikson. Colin Tibbo, Vice-President of Service and Innovation with Marine Atlantic, said they are excited to bring the ferry into service. He said: "We understand completely that the service we provide to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador is essential."
The Île Rouge is expected to be in service in the next few weeks.