Port of Portland | Working waterfront and future developments

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Classic postcard of the waterfront.
 
I am trying to wrap my head around how logistically this would work. Only 2 locations come to mind. Utilize the Maine State Pier where the tugs are moving to Cassidy, or where the Nova Star docked. What about customs?
 
cneal said:
The staging lot feels out of date and unnecessary now that every driver has a cellphone.

Instead of wasting all that space for a long queue on the waterfront, I can easily imagine a much more efficient scenario where drivers book and arrive at precisely scheduled times to board, like how FastPass systems work at theme parks.
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I believe that's what they're thinking of, but probably most of that lot was queueing for Customs... Which can be complicated when semis are involved (I've crossed the Canadian border in a semi; it was a process then and that was before 9/11).

Managing the logistics will be hard considering that they need a 1-hour turnaround time.

I do agree that the logical place would have been the upriver side of Ocean Gateway; that was one of the reasons the pier was built, and I believe that the space that is now used as a function hall was originally going to be the departure lounge (although Nova Star never used it as they didn't have the proper gangway system and no one was going to pay for it unless the service was going to stick).
 
Is there anything on the SoPo side that could be used for a Nova Scotia ferry instead, like the Portland Pipeline terminal pier?
 
The shipyard area would be perfect, but not in the minds of the blue hairs in that area. It doesn't fit their vision which is do nothing due to the mass amounts of traffic it would cause supposedly.
 
Dr. StrangeHat said:
Is there anything on the SoPo side that could be used for a Nova Scotia ferry instead, like the Portland Pipeline terminal pier?
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PWMFlyer said:
Only 2 locations come to mind. Utilize the Maine State Pier where the tugs are moving to Cassidy, or where the Nova Star docked
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There are numerous requirements that have to be met in order to accommodate a car ferry of that size:

1. Water depth which would not be an issue at any of the locations because the primary piers are dredged to 35'.
2. Pier length of at least 600' would be needed to dock the vessel which all sites meet including the International Marine Terminal.
3. Terminal space for the passengers needed (Maine winters) understanding that many choose to not take their vehicle onboard. The Ocean Gateway Pier could possibly use the visitor center next door.
4. Roll on roll off capability. The IMT is the only pier with a ramp approach in place and other sites could add one but it is expensive. The Portland Pipeline may be too slender especially at the outer 1000' portion.
5, Access would be a deterrent to any South Portland location due to the street layout (neighborhoods) and distance from the interstate. The NIMBY's would lose it!
6. Lodging opportunities are important with many passengers choosing to stay in the area prior to sailing or upon return. The Portland side has this well taken care of.
7. Customs would not be an issue due to Portland clearing large cruise ships on a regular basis during the fall season. South Portland side would create some logistical challenges.
8. Parking and staging area space is vital and the IMT is best suited to handle this issue with OGP having the next best practical lay out.

In my opinion, the Ocean Gateway Pier would be the best fit but would create an engineering challenge to provide a ramp and may require the initial portion of the pier to widened. The Portland Pipeline Pier is privately owned and would be a hard sell especially with the pipeline positioned on the right side of the pier for the entire length. The International Marine Terminal would be the less painful option if the ferry and occasional container ships could coexist seeing the cruise ship only requires a few hour turnaround in the evening. Lack of a passenger terminal which was demolished many years ago would be a huge downside as with other locations. The Maine State Pier would be tempting and a portion of the massive east shed could be utilized for terminal space. Interstate connection, hotels, restaurants and customs are all perfectly located!
 
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It is turning out much better than expected and the concrete walkway along the water's edge is going to be very popular with both locals and visitors. I also like the fencing and hope they are still planning to use this design.

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Why doesn't the fencing follow the seawall? Also, it looks like they're putting in another one of those creaky red swings. Great. Hope they budgeted for grease.
 
I think that may be an intentional bump out so a temporary stage can be added for bands and other performances with attendees having a view of the harbor during shows. The grass area's elevation will have a gentle upward slope towards Thames Street which will accommodate lawn chairs, blankets and coolers!

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