Nova Star operator wants to keep ferry busy during winter

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Operators of the Nova Star ferry service between Portland, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, are working to secure winter work for the vessel to provide offseason revenue.

Nova Star Cruises announced that a company intends to operate the vessel on a new route across the English Channel between Boulogne, France, and Ramsgage, England.

But officials in England question whether the route can be economically viable.

Nova Star Cruises spokesman Dennis Bailey tells the Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/1K7jQgB) that Nova Star Cruises has a signed agreement. But he says Nova Star Cruises has other options if the English Channel proposal falls apart.

He says any winter work won't affect the current route.