Marine Atlantic woes continue with mechanical issues, harsh weather

Marine Atlantic says it is doing all it can to stay on schedule despite repeated weather delays and mechanical problems. 

The Crown corporation had a rough month in January, with a total of 26 departures either postponed or cancelled.

So far, February has turned into another tough month, with ice conditions in the Gulf interfering with numerous crossings.

An official said the Crown corporation currently has two vessels operating, the Highlanders and the Leif Ericsson.

Two other ferries, the Atlantic Vision and Blue Puttees, are having work done in North Sydney.  

The Atlantic Vision is expected back in service within days.

An official could not say when a bearing problem on the Blue Puttees would be fixed.

Meanwhile, a backlog of big-rig trailers at Port aux Basques was expected to be cleared up on Thursday.