Portland is increasing its cruise ship tariff  fees beginning January 1, 2027.  The new rate structure includes a discounted rate to encourage the use of low sulphur fuels while ships are at berth.  The new rates are included in the citys Tariff 11, which will replace Tariff 10 in 2027.  The tariff rates, rules and regulations apply to the two City-owned facilities at the Portland Ocean terminal at the Maine State PIer and Ocean Gateway Terminal.

Tariff 11 includes significant per-passenger fee increases each year until 2030, rising from the current $18. per passenger to $24. per-passenge in 2030.  The city is also increasing the existing $3. per passenger infrastructure fee annually, which will rise to $7. by 2030.  These infrastructure fees are intended to pay for current and future improvements to the waterfront facilities.

In an effort to minimize the use of heavy fuel oil (HFO) and the exhaust gas cleaining systems (EGCS) that are required to clear HFO emission,s the City is incentivizing the use of low-sulphur fuels that comply with Indternational Maritime Organizations standards by including a discounted passenger rate in Tariff 11, Ships that use fuels such as Marine Gas Oil while at berth will receive a $2 discount per passenger.

“These changes will help fund our working waterron while inventivizing cruise ships to keep Casco Bay clean,” said District 2 City Councilor Wes Pellietier.