HALIFAX -- The company that operates the ferry between Nova Scotia and Maine says it has secured off-season winter business in Europe.

Nova Star Cruises says beginning Nov.1 it will offer three-times per day service between England and France.

The new business for the ferry service is the result of a multi-year agreement with Euroferries Express Ltd.

Company CEO Mark Amundsen says the work will help make the money-losing route between Portland, Maine and Yarmouth, N.S., more economically viable.

The Nova Scotia government is providing $13 million this year after spending $28.5 million to subsidize the ferry last season.

Nova Star will end its Portland to Yarmouth service for the 2015 season on Oct. 13.