1 8 9 use portcall.com to tackle port congestion issues. “We can see the potential in better communication between ports and lines and in having increased transparency. There is a lot of possibility with software systems like that.” However, he adds, ACL is good at avoiding congestion in part due to its small-size ships. “We try to avoid not only big ships but also the ports built to accommodate them, because we don’t need the same infrastructure or security requirements as vessels calling from abroad,” he explains, adding that, for example, ACL docks in a marina in Boston rather than the port. ACL’s small ships are also helping the brand to fare well in Bar Harbor, which is constantly reassessing its position visà-vis the introduction of caps on daily cruise passenger numbers. “We have a great relationship with the port,” says Robertson. “It is very supportive of our model with small ships, even the interstate, Maine routes. The port understands how our brand and guests are different.” He points out that ACL operated a full cruise season in Bar Harbor in 2021 with minimal attention from residents. “That’s how spread out our impact is on the town. Locals don’t feel it when we add 100 passengers a day. I think we’ll still be able to operate there around big ships and their schedules.” When asked about the impact of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) on itinerary planning, Robertson says that a lot of the International Maritime Organization requirements are different for ACL. However, for Pearl, he says: “We stack up fairly well as a small ship operator and, with our heavy emphasis on time in port, that is a relevant accolade when calculating CII. We try to reduce the route miles – we are not crossing oceans. And we use low sulphur fuel on all our ships.” In future, Robertson hopes to use shore power. “We’re really excited to be working with several ports around the country to try and make that possible,” says Robertson, noting that all new ships will be built with shore power capabilities and some existing vessels will be retrofitted. He adds that much less power is needed for a small ship, and “so in many places it is pretty doable”. Looking ahead, Robertson believes the greatest challenge will be to continue growing while managing any uncertainty. “The pandemic required every cruise line to be very nimble and adapt quickly, and we’ll continue to harness that willingness to be creative.” CFR ACL’s vessels take small numbers of guests to destinations around the USA, including places like Boothbay Harbor in Maine “ Guests can call at destinations like Prince Edward Island and Quebec City” PL ANNER PERSPECTI VE
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