The new ferry intended to serve the Rimouski-Forestville route remains in Greece, delaying the restart of the maritime service [1].
This delay disrupts critical transportation links between Rimouski, Quebec, and Forestville, Côte-Nord. The absence of the vessel during the peak summer season affects regional mobility and local economic activity that depends on the transit route.
Owner Industries Rilec and future operator Louis-Olivier Carré had originally targeted May 1, 2026, to relaunch the service [2]. However, Carré said it was ultimately impossible to meet that date due to the slowness of administrative procedures [2].
Other projected timelines have shifted as the project faced logistical challenges. While some reports suggested a possible service start on June 1, 2026 [3], later updates indicated the vessel's arrival was expected in July 2026 [4]. More recent data indicates that sea-trials for the ship are not scheduled to begin until September 2026 [1].
The delays are attributed to a combination of administrative red tape and slow support from the provincial government [2, 5]. A project spokesperson said a specific week in March was determining for the sequence of future events [5].
The vessel is likely to be named either the Hilaire Journault or the Nordet [1]. Despite the naming progress, the ship's physical location in Greece remains the primary obstacle to restoring the connection between the two Quebec shores.
Local stakeholders have expressed frustration over the lack of provincial support, which some suggest has compromised the project [5]. The gap between the original May target and the current September sea-trial window represents a significant setback for the region's infrastructure goals.
“The new ferry intended to serve the Rimouski-Forestville route remains in Greece”
The continued delay of the Rimouski-Forestville ferry highlights a breakdown in the coordination between private operators and provincial administrative bodies. By missing the spring and early summer windows, the service loses its primary operational season, potentially straining the financial viability of the operator and leaving Côte-Nord residents without a vital transportation link for another full year if sea-trials are delayed further.
