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.