American Ferries Inc. President Alfred ("Alf") R. Howard of Boston
and CEO Johan D. Koppernaes of Halifax met over 50 years ago while
in the early stages of pursuing engineering careers at Dalhousie
University in Halifax.  Alf became a transportation engineer and
planner for many years with jobs in both the public and private
sectors.  Johan became a mechanical engineer with emphasis on fish
and processing plants, waterfront facilities, and research into special
structural materials.  Much of his work was done in his own Halifax  
firm, J.D. Koppernaes Engineering.  
ABOUT US
Martin Karlsen, President, Karlsen Shipping Company Limited and Polar Star
Expeditions, became lead partner in 2009.  Through participation in the adventure
cruise business by operating the M/V Polar Star in the Antarctic and Arctic regions of
the world, Mr Karlsen brings relevant experience and an operating
ship company to the
overnight cruise ferry team.  
Alf Howard
Johan Koppernaes
American Ferries Incorporated itself was founded late in 2001, and registered in the State of Delaware,
USA.  

American Ferries Inc  was the outcome of 2 years of feasibility studies conducted by Maxam Marketing in
Norway and by J.D. Koppernaes Engineering Ltd in Halifax for prospective American and Norwegian
owners.  The studies concluded that there could be a significant return on the establishment of a
vehicle/passenger ferry between Boston and Halifax.  In addition, the link has the potential to significantly
improve and expand the economic, cultural, tourist, and historic ties that exist between New England and
Nova Scotia ("New Scotland") and beyond.  American Ferries Inc was established to pursue this concept,
with Johan D. Koppernaes the founding Director.  

The current (AFI) Board of Directors include President Alfred R. Howard of Boston, Secretary-Treasurer
E.A. Campbell of Halifax, and Chief Executive Officer Johan D. Koppernaes, also of Halifax.  It must be
re-stated, of course, that Martin Karlsen is now the lead project proponent.      
Karlsen Shipping Company
American Ferries Incorporated
Boston-Halifax Overnight Cruise Ferry Service
www.boston-halifax-ferry.com
Container Ship in Halifax Harbour
Martin Karlsen