 The building was formally opened on 2 May 2008 in a ceremony attended by about 200 people.Commercial shipping traffic began calling at the facility on 30 May, when HSC "The Cat", operated by Bay Ferries, began its seasonal service to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.Ocean Gateway is also used as rental venue for functions such as weddings, conventions and other public events, a use which grew in importance after "The Cat" service was canceled following the 2009 season, which meant a loss to the city of Portland of $150,000 per year in rent which Bay Ferries paid for use of the facility.