Salem Harbor in a bid to become an Offshore Wind Port

Offshore wind energy provider Vineyard Wind has entered an agreement with the City of Salem, Massachusetts, and the Crowley Maritime Corporation to transform Salem Harbor into the state’s second major offshore wind port.

The agreement, part of the Commonwealth Wind project, is contingent upon the company winning an award by the State of Massachusetts, which is currently evaluating offshore wind procurement bids.

Vineyard Wind has estimated that the proposed project would create up to 400 full-time jobs during the revitalisation and up to another 500 over the first five years of operation.

“As offshore wind continues to expand, new purpose-built ports will be key to the success of this industry,” said Lars T. Pedersen, CEO of Vineyard Wind.

“By constructing the nation’s first purpose-built offshore wind port in New Bedford, Massachusetts has been leading the way. With a new offshore wind port in Salem, the commonwealth can ensure that it is ready to face the demands of a rapidly growing industry.

“With both New Bedford and Salem capable of delivering port operations needed for offshore wind, the state can ensure that both the South Coast and the North Shore can benefit from the creation of new, highly skilled and good-paying jobs, something that will cement Massachusetts’ position as a leader in the new and growing offshore wind industry.”


Under the terms of the agreement, the Crowley Maritime Corporation will purchase 42 acres surrounding Salem Harbor Station and will serve as the long-term offshore wind port operator for the site.

Jeff Andreini, Vice President of Crowley New Energy, added “This partnership reinforces Crowley’s position as a total lifecycle service provider in the offshore wind sector. We look forward to working with Vineyard Wind and the City of Salem and providing the highest level of service in order to make Salem Harbor a provider in the offshore wind supply chain.”

Vineyard Wind partner Avangrid Renewables will be the first to utilise the site after its redevelopment to deploy wind turbines for the Commonwealth Wind project and other future projects.

https://www.porttechnology.org/news/salem-harbor-in-a-bid-to-become-an-offshore-wind-port/