$4 Million Fine Imposed on Cruise Ship Pier Owners for Overcapacity Violations

The town of Bar Harbor, Maine, has imposed a significant penalty of $4 million on Goden Anchor LC, the owner of two major cruise ship piers in the region. This fine stems from violations related to local regulations that limit the number of cruise passengers permitted to disembark.

Local officials reported that during a busy cruise season, thousands of passengers were allowed off the piers without the necessary permits, violating the town’s ordinance designed to ensure manageable foot traffic. The rules stipulate that a maximum of 1,000 cruise passengers can disembark without incurring fines.

In light of the growing concerns over cruise traffic, Bar Harbor residents voted in November 2024 to adopt stricter land-use ordinances requiring pier owners to obtain permits before allowing passenger disembarkation. Goden Anchor has challenged the town’s decision that upheld the violation notice, arguing that the disembarkation ordinance infringes on their property rights and operational freedoms.

In 2024, approximately 98,000 cruise passengers disembarked at Bar Harbor. Officials had been monitoring passenger numbers closely, leading to the enforcement actions taken against the pier owner. As cruise traffic is poised to decrease in 2025, local opinion remains divided on the town’s efforts to control the influx of visitors.

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