Part of Yarmouth ferry’s sailing season could be salvaged: official

A spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection says there’s a chance the ferry service that links Nova Scotia with Maine could salvage part of its delayed sailing season.

However, spokesman Michael McCarthy said Tuesday it’s up to Bay Ferries to ensure the terminal in Bar Harbor, Maine, is in compliance with the federal department’s standards – and that could take some time.

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“Generally, these types of projects take 12 to 18 months,” McCarthy said in an interview from Boston. “That time frame was shared with the ferry operator going back to at least 2017.”

READ MORE: Bay Ferries cancels bookings for N.S. to Maine service through mid-July

The company took over the Bar Harbor terminal in February.

“We do not set the start date for the ferry,” said McCarthy. “However, it cannot open, and the ferry service cannot begin until CBP has been provided with a compliant facility.”

He said the department requires special materials for construction of the booths officers will work in, and the process for ordering that material can take more time than for a regular construction project.