Nova Scotia

City of Portland joins Nova Star ferry creditors

The Porland Development Corporation says Nova Star Cruises owes it money for modifications to the ferry and use of the city's facilities. Creditors say the company owes $1.6-million collectively.

More than half a dozen creditors say the company owes $1.6-million

Nova Star Cruises now owe money to the city of Portland, officials say. (Angela MacIvor/CBC)

Portland, Maine officials claim Nova Star Cruises owes the city more than $150,000 for a loan extended last year that they say hasn't been repaid.   

The Portland Press Herald reports the city joins more than a half-dozen creditors who claim the ferry service owes them $1.6 million collectively.

Portland Development Corp. attorney Charles Remmel says the money was used for modifications to the Nova Star — a ferry that operated for two years between Portland and Yarmouth, N.S.

Remmel says Nova Star Cruises also owes more than $85,000 for use of city facilities.

U.S. Marshals seized the ferry Oct. 30 because of the cruise line's outstanding debts.

Remmel says formal liens will be filed next week.

A Nova Star Cruises spokesman says the company intends to pay its bills.