A ferry service in Nova Scotia with a money-losing past will get at least one more year to turn itself around after getting $13 million Wednesday from the provincial government.

The one-year deal for Nova Star Cruises was announced by Economic Development Minister Michel Samson for the service between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine.

It also came with promises of a reopened bidding process to operate the service in 2016.

The upcoming season will run from June 1 to October 14.

Samson is also promising more government oversight with monthly reporting of passenger numbers and full access to the ferry’s books.

But the Opposition Progressive Conservatives cast doubt on the government’s plan.

MLA Chris d’Entremont says the government needs to present a clear picture of how the ferry service will be sustainable.

Acting NDP Leader Maureen MacDonald says a funding line must be drawn at a time when provincial finances are tight.

The government said the 59,000 visitors who arrived via the ferry last year spent an estimated $13 million.

Nova Star Cruises has set a goal of 80,000 passengers for this year.