PORTLAND, Maine-
A high-speed ferry that can cruise the ocean at highway speeds has begun trips between Portland, Maine's largest city, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
The 320-foot aluminum catamaran known as The Cat is expected to bring Canada-bound passengers from southern New England, and Canadian tourists who are using The Cat to Maine, New England and beyond.
The Cat can travel at speeds up to 50 mph and make the trip across the Gulf of Maine in five-and-a-half hours.
The vessel will sail Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between Maine's largest city and Nova Scotia through mid-October. Between Monday and Thursday, it will run between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth, a trip that takes less than three hours.
Bay Ferries has been offering high-speed ferry service between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth since 1998.
The Cat can carry up to 775 passengers, 250 cars and 14 motor homes or tour buses. It is powered by four 9,500-horsepower marine diesel engines that drive a water jet propulsion system. It has aircraft-style lounge seats, four movie screens, slot machines, a cafe and a duty-free shop.
The Cat's arrival marks the return of Portland-Canada ferry service after the Scotia Prince canceled service last spring in a dispute with the city of Portland. The Scotia Prince and its successor, the Prince of Fundy, made seasonal runs from Portland to Yarmouth for 35 years.
