The Nova Scotia government has provided an additional $2 million to cover off-season expenses of the Nova Star ferry, including berthing fees, fuel, staffing and the cost of moving the ship to South Carolina. This brings the province’s total investment in the ferry service to $24 million, or $28.5 million (Canadian).

The ferry that shuttled between Portland and Nova Scotia last summer is scheduled to arrive in Charleston on Tuesday. It had been berthed in Nova Scotia, but is being moved to a warmer climate to save money.

The operator, Nova Star Cruises, spent just over $30 million (Canadian) through Sept. 30, including $10.6 million in startup costs. The startup costs, which represent the money spent prior to April 30, include $2.9 million to charter the vessel and $1.5 million for the crew, provisions, management fees and terminal expenses.