91 “Kudos to the government for the net impact this has had on the economies around those services and how many more people are using them.” Alongside expanding capacity, the company is enhancing the onboard experience. The refurbishment of MV Northumberland included modernising passenger cabins and the galley, while further improvements are already under consideration. Wilson says The Cat service between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and Bar Harbor, Maine, could receive a refresh in the coming years, complemented by accessibility upgrades and continued enhancements to passenger amenities. “We reshaped our ‘pets onboard policy’ to expand the areas where passengers can take their pets, and that has been well received,” says Wilson. “We’re also looking to improve accessibility through our elevator services and stairs for those with disabilities or impairments.” As a board member of Interferry, Wilson regularly discusses how operators can balance evolving environmental expectations with maintaining reliable, affordable services. “We’re always trying to shape the industry in a positive way and become more environmentally friendly,” he says. “As electrification and alternative fuels are rolled out, governments and regulators need to work hand in hand with operators. We have to move forward, but it can’t all be at the expense of our customers.” Safety, however, remains the organisation’s defining priority. Wilson believes genuine safety goes far beyond compliance, relying instead on a culture where every employee feels confident speaking up when something is wrong. Drawing on work undertaken with a UK-based safety specialist, he says creating that environment is one of the most important responsibilities for any ferry operator. “It’s in the best interest of every professional marine organisation to focus on safety,” he says. “We’re moving a lot of people every day, so our ferry captains, terminal managers and employees need an environment where they can speak up and not live in fear of doing so. The importance of building a culture of safety behind the scenes can’t be stressed enough.” Developing that culture also depends on attracting and supporting the next generation of ferry professionals. Following a significant wave of retirements, Northumberland Ferries and Bay Ferries have recruited and trained large numbers of new employees. Wilson will share those experiences during a panel discussion on workforce recruitment, retention and training at Interferry’s 50th Annual Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, to be held from 31 October to 4 November 2026. “ It’s in the best interest of every professional marine organisation to focus on safety” Photo: Bay Ferries Fundy Rose, operated by Bay Ferries, undergoes routine bi-annual drydock maintenance and safety refits
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