Report: Bar Harbor should renovate cruise ship berth
A new study recommends that Bar Harbor fix up its unused and deteriorating ferry terminal for $16.7 million to allow cruise ships to anchor closer to shore, claiming the renovations will help ensure the terminal's and waterfront's financial viability.
The study, by Miami-based consulting firm Bermello Ajamil, was commissioned by the town of Bar Harbor, the local Chamber of Commerce and Maine Port Authority, according to the Bangor Daily News. It evaluated the ferry terminal that's been idle since The Cat's ferry service between Maine and Nova Scotia was canceled in 2009. The terminal is part of a 4.5-acre waterfront property owned by the Canadian government, which has indicated it would like to sell the property, assessed by the town at $6.6 million.
Local municipal and tourism business officials have said the property should be a public marina. The study recommends that a pier could be extended 1,500 feet from shore to accommodate one or two cruise ships – helping the terminal generate adequate revenue and maintaining cruise ship business in the downtown. Currently cruise ships visiting the Mount Desert Island area anchor offshore, using smaller boats to bring their passengers to shore.
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