Committee tables Bar Harbor–Yarmouth ferry pilotage bill after talks; Bay Ferries seeks $325,000 annual subsidy

The Joint Standing Committee on Transportation on Jan. 30 tabled LD 1477, a bill that would have exempted certain passenger ferry services from Maine’s pilotage requirements, after hearing detailed testimony from the Maine Pilotage Commission, Penobscot Bay and River Pilots, and Bay Ferries representatives.

Carrie Norton, chair of the Maine Pilotage Commission, said the commission’s opposition to Bay Ferries’ three alternatives is grounded in the commission’s statutory duty to manage navigational risk and to preserve an independent, state‑accountable pilotage layer. The commission presented a negotiated alternative: retain compulsory pilotage while maintaining an existing discounted pilotage rate specific to Bay Ferries (about a 66% discount relative to comparable small vessels), cap training, technology and capital fees at recent levels, and recommend a direct state subsidy to offset remaining pilotage costs.

Bay Ferries representatives said the service is heavily subsidized by Nova Scotia and supports seasonal Maine terminal operations and American crew employment. CEO Mark Wilson (joining by Zoom) and counsel Dan Walker said Bay Ferries would seek a general‑fund subsidy from Maine on the order of $325,000 annually to help cover pilotage costs associated with the Bar Harbor calls. The Penobscot Bay pilots explained how pilotage fees cover pilot salaries, pilot boats, fuel, maintenance and 240 pilot runs annually.

Committee members agreed amended statutory language is needed to reflect the compromise and to specify the appropriation mechanism for any subsidy. A motion to table the bill for amended language was made, seconded and approved unanimously of those present. Committee staff and counsel will work with the parties on draft language before the bill is reconsidered.