Crowley launches Salem Wind Port project as part of Massachusetts wind port expansion

Massachusetts is moving forward with plans to expand its wind port capacity to both support the state's renewable energy plans and make the state a home port for regional wind energy projects. Led by Crowley Wind Services, efforts to develop the state's second dedicated wind port began in Salem, while MassCEC, the state's clean energy agency, announced plans yesterday to expand current wind port facilities in New Bedford.

The governor and state officials have been very supportive of the wind energy industry, and Massachusetts has projects underway, including preparations for Vineyard Wind 1 and other large wind farms. But the state has also become an unwelcome recipient of media attention as it tries to clean up debris washed ashore from the blade of the Vineyard Wind 1, which was under development in July, that broke.

Both New Bedford and Salem are supporting the emerging wind farm industry as plans to develop port capacity continue to move forward. MassCEC (Massachusetts Clean Energy Center) signed a contract with Crowley Wind Services and the City of Salem in February 2024 to develop transformation a former oil and coal power plant into the Salem Wind Terminal. Today, August 15, the ceremonial groundbreaking for the project took place.

“The Salem Wind Terminal will be a historic achievement, and we appreciate the trust and partnership of the City of Salem, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the U.S. Maritime Administration in creating a world-class wind terminal that reliably and safely meets the supply chain needs of the wind energy industry,” said Tom Crowley, Chairman and CEO of Crowley Corporation. “This public-private partnership in Salem can be a model for communities and the industry to meet our commitments to produce renewable, sustainable energy.”

Rendering of the planned Salem Wind Terminal by Crowley Wind Services

The terminal will be one of the few sites capable of supporting the construction and installation of New England's fixed-bottom offshore wind facilities and future floating offshore wind facilities planned for the Gulf of Maine. Crowley will be responsible for redeveloping and operating the terminal. It has signed a lease with MassCEC to use the site as an offshore wind marshalling port, with a focus on projects for Massachusetts. The City of Salem has also leased a berth and surrounding land for that purpose. Crowley's Wind Services will improve the site by adding heavy equipment infrastructure, building a new vessel berth, upgrading the city's existing berth and dredging the harbor channel. The wind port is expected to be operational in 2026.

“After providing $389 million in federal funding for offshore wind transmission in Somerset, expanding the port in New Bedford, and now breaking ground in Salem, Massachusetts is well positioned to support the growing offshore wind industry,” said Governor Maura Healey.

MassCEC also announced plans to expand and improve the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, a 30-acre facility used for the construction, assembly and deployment of offshore wind projects. MassCEC officials said the facility is being expanded to accommodate expected increasing demand for port facilities that can accommodate the larger, heavier turbine parts.

The project is based on a strategic planning process and was supported by offshore wind project developers, wind turbine manufacturers, global transportation and installation companies, and port construction consultants. It includes the acquisition of four contiguous parcels of land by MassCEC, the redesign of an existing bulkhead with a new high-capacity wharf, and the relocation and construction of a new office and warehouse building. Upon completion of the project, the available heavy-lift cargo storage area will be expanded by one-quarter (five acres) for a total of 26 contiguous acres. The project increases the total heavy-lift cargo wharf area available at the terminal to 1,200 linear feet and provides additional office and warehouse space and functionality for terminal tenants.

The state invested $180 million in a portfolio of offshore wind port redevelopment projects through its 2022 Massachusetts Ports Investment Challenge, including funding for the Marine Commerce Terminal expansion project. A total of seven projects in New Bedford, Salem and Somerset were funded, including $45 million for the Marine Commerce Terminal, $75 million for the Salem Offshore Wind Terminal, and funding for Prysmian and Gladding Hearn Shipbuilding's high-voltage cable manufacturing facility/terminal in Somerset. Funding also went to the North Terminal, Foss Marine Terminal and Shoreline Marine Terminals in New Bedford.

Efforts are being coordinated to position Massachusetts as a leading state in supporting the industry.