Cruise ships docking in Portland will be subject to a higher city tariff starting next year, while vessels powered by low-sulfur fuels will receive a discount.
As of Jan. 1, 2027, the new rates, rules and regulations will apply to Portland Ocean Terminal at the Maine State Pier and Ocean Gateway Terminal.
Rates for vessels berthed at either of those city-owned locations will increase every year until 2030, rising from the current $18 per passenger to $24 per passenger in 2030.
The city is also increasing the existing $3 per passenger infrastructure fee annually, which will rise to $7 by 2030, to cover the cost of improvements to the waterfront facilities.
Discount incentives
To minimize the use of heavy fuel oil and the exhaust-gas cleaning systems, the city is offering a discounted passenger rate for ships that comply with International Maritime Organization standards. Boats that use fuels such as Marine Gas Oil while at berth will receive a $2 discount per passenger.
“We took seriously the feedback we received from the City Council’s Sustainability & Transportation Committee and the public, that it was important to find a way to encourage ships to use low-sulphur fuels while they’re at berth,” said City Manager Danielle West. “We’re optimistic that adding these discounted rates will help us move toward that goal.”
The committee has been reviewing policy options to reduce the use of exhaust-gas cleaning systems in order to eliminate the discharge of washer water into Portland Harbor and has addressed the topic on its 2026 work plan.
The move comes a little more than a month before the start of this year’s cruise ship season in mid-April.
