Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Marine Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Belfast council advances ordinance to limit large passenger vessels after American Cruise Lines cancels 2025 visits
Summary
The City Council voted 5–0 on Feb. 18 to approve a first reading of amendments to Chapter 30 that would bar vessels certified to carry 50 or more passengers from embarking or disembarking at city landings; American Cruise Lines notified the city it has canceled 30 dockings for 2025.
The Belfast City Council on Feb. 18 approved by a 5–0 vote the first reading of amendments to Chapter 30 of the city code that would bar vessels certified to carry 50 or more passengers from embarking or disembarking guest passengers, including by tender, at city landings or other city property.
City staff presented a draft ordinance, saying the harbor committee recommended limiting large passenger vessels to those certified for fewer than 50 passengers. “Any marine vessel certified to carry 50 or more passengers shall not be allowed to embark or disembark guest passengers, including by tender, at the city landing or other city property or marine facilities,” staff told the council.
Councilors framed the change as a safety and fit question for Belfast’s small harbor. Councilor Neil Harkness, who described the recommendation as a return to a pre‑COVID status quo, said larger ships have created congestion, safety concerns and noise. “The larger ships were just too big and caused too many problems, congestion at the landing, safety on the water…noise, pollution,” Harkness said, urging colleagues to follow the harbor master’s and committee’s advice.
Councilor Mary Mortier, recounting last summer’s visit by a 243‑foot vessel, said the ship “dwarfed our harbor” and that the presence of tour buses transporting passengers off to neighboring towns undercut the hoped‑for local economic benefit. Paul Dean said he agreed the change was needed for safety and said he would likely vote in favor.
During the meeting the council also read a letter from American Cruise Lines warning the city of potential legal challenges. A council member reported that American Cruise Lines had canceled “all 30 of our dockings for the 2025 season,” a development councilors cited while voting to proceed with the ordinance. Several members said they would welcome the company to testify at the next hearing: “We’re inviting you to come,” one councilor said.
The council approved the first reading and scheduled a second reading and a second public hearing at a future regular meeting. The amendment as drafted applies to city property; councilors discussed whether to extend restrictions to privately owned waterfront but did not change the draft during first reading.
A second public hearing and a final vote are expected at the council’s next regular meeting.
