Yarmouth ferry terminal woefully inadequate compared to Portland’s new facility

Dave Whiting, manager of the Port of Yarmouth and the Nova Scotia representative on the board of Directors of the North American Ports Association, is acutely aware of the deficiencies. “Our terminal was built in the early 50s for a vessel that, on its inaugural run in 1956 carried 32 vehicles and 122 passengers,” he said. “At Yarmouth’s peak period, the Cat and Scotia Prince had the capacity to move 700 vehicles and 2500 passengers through the Yarmouth Terminal. The terminal as it is at present is not adequate to meet the heightened security requirements, the needs of Canada Border Services nor the desires of today’s travelers.”

There were several goals met in the development of the Ocean Gateway facility. Planners wanted a sustainable port that was environmentally responsible, that welcomed the public and encouraged economic development in previously depressed areas.

Ten years ago, both passenger and cargo functions in Portland operated out of the western end of the bay, far removed from the downtown and the sites tourists wanted to see.

The new terminal has redefined and recreated the city’s eastern waterfront to make it much more visitor friendly. “I think what might be intriguing to people is the approach we took,” says Nicole Clegg, director of communications for the City of Portland. “People walk out the terminal and they are right in downtown.”

The 16,000-square-foot complex is built on pilings over the harbor and includes two floors under a sharply pitched roof, punctured by two spires with horizontal arms to resemble the masts of a sailing ship.

The facility also serves tour buses and has a state-of-the-art customs facility. Planners incorporated public art, trails, parks and access to the water to ensure that residents and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the waterfront.

Bay Ferries Cat was the first vessel to run passengers through the terminal earlier this year.

The port pumps three quarters of a billion dollars into the state's economy each year and employs over 1,500 people.

Last year, about 50,000 cruise ship passengers visited Portland.

During the off season - Oct. 15– May 15, the terminal is available for rent for functions like wedding receptions, silent auctions, fundraising events, holiday parties, company outings, private parties, meetings, and seminars.

A $7 million mega-berth, to be operational by 2010, will extend off the southeast corner of the terminal and will accommodate ships up to 1,400 feet. The city will be able to berth three cruise ships at a time. “Portland is deeply committed to building our port into one of the premiere destinations along the eastern seaboard. And we look forward to working with our sister ports both north and south of us to create a cruise experience unlike any other. “Together, Canada and New England have something truly unique to offer passengers,” said Clegg.