US Customs and Border Protection – International Marine Terminal – Portland, ME

U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Portland Port of Entry

Securing the Waterfront

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility located at 468 Commercial Street is a critical component of the Department of Homeland Security’s mission in Maine. Situated within the Portland International Marine Terminal, this office focuses on the enforcement of customs and immigration laws at one of New England’s vital maritime gateways. Unlike the main administrative service port in South Portland, this location is operationally centered around the waterfront, handling the processing of international cargo and passengers arriving by sea. The facility ensures that all goods and individuals entering the United States through Portland’s harbor comply with federal regulations, safeguarding the nation’s borders while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

International Ferry and Cargo Operations

This location serves as the primary processing point for specific international connections. Key operational functions include:

• Ferry Passenger Processing: During the operating season of ‘The CAT’ high-speed ferry, which connects Portland to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, CBP officers are stationed here to conduct immigration inspections and customs clearance for travelers and vehicles.
• Cargo Inspection: The terminal is a hub for Eimskip, an Icelandic shipping company. CBP officers inspect containerized cargo entering the U.S. from the North Atlantic, checking for contraband, agricultural pests, and trade compliance.
• Vessel Boarding: Officers based here or at the main port deploy to inspect commercial vessels and cruise ships anchoring in Casco Bay.

Public Access and Regulations

It is important to understand that the International Marine Terminal is a secure federal zone. Access is significantly more restricted than a typical government office. Visitor guidelines:

• Restricted Access: The general public cannot enter the cargo areas without a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or a specific escort.
• Passenger Terminal: Access to the customs area in the passenger terminal is limited to ticketed passengers disembarking from the ferry.
• Security Screening: All persons and vehicles entering the secure area are subject to search. Photography is strictly prohibited in inspection areas.
• Administrative Services: Individuals seeking Global Entry interviews, payment of duties for personal imports, or general inquiries should not come to this location but should instead visit the main Service Port office at 155 Gannett Drive in South Portland.

Role in Economic Security

The work performed at the Commercial Street facility is vital to Maine’s economy. By efficiently processing freight, CBP enables local businesses to export products like frozen fish and blueberries to European markets and import essential goods. The presence of CBP also allows Portland to serve as an international cruise ship destination, bringing tourism revenue to the city. Officers here are trained to detect everything from narcotics to invasive species, acting as the first line of defense at the water’s edge. Travelers are reminded to have their passports ready and to declare all agricultural products and merchandise acquired abroad.