(NEW BEDFORD, Mass.) — The Port of New Bedford will add another base of operations and terminal logistics facility to support offshore wind projects off Massachusetts and the northeastern coast seaboard.
The former Sprague/Eversource site was selected for its proximity to offshore wind blocks located approximately 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket islands. The site will undergo redevelopment over the next year and be renamed the New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal.
The terminal, slated to open in March 2023, will provide storage and laydown yards for equipment and materials, berth facilities for tug and barge operations, and host crew transfer vessel (CTV) and service operation vessel (SOV) support services. It will create new office space for project teams and a marine coordination center for technicians involved in offshore wind projects.
Foss is partnering with key local investors of New Bedford’s Cannon Street Holdings LLC (CSH) to develop the 30-acre site. Andrew Saunders, local commercial offshore marine industry attorney with Cannon Street Holdings, will serve as president of the New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal.
“Today marks a big day for the Port of New Bedford and the city as a whole,” said Saunders. “The repurposing of this facility to support offshore wind has been a vision for many and it is great to see this project now begin to materialize. This day was the result of a lot of support from the many key local and state government stakeholders as well as industry stakeholders, and we would not have gotten to this point without this support. Both Sprague and Eversource also helped greatly in bringing this day to reality. Thank you to all involved.”
“The New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal is perfectly situated to support offshore wind projects on the East Coast,” said Jason Childs, president and CEO of Saltchuk Marine. “We appreciate the vision of the city and Port of New Bedford and the vital role they are playing in making this project a success.”
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell lauded the announcement. “We are thrilled to welcome Foss to the Port of New Bedford. The new terminal will solidify the port’s status as the East Coast’s leader in offshore wind, complement our fishing industry, and create opportunities for our residents. I congratulate Andrew Saunders and Foss’ parent, Saltchuk Marine, for their skillful and persistent effort to close this important deal.”
“Foss’ investment in New Bedford is a great example of how the emerging offshore wind industry, led by the Vineyard Wind 1 project, can have a meaningful impact on the community,” said Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus Moeller. “The agreement will not only expand Foss’ operations in Massachusetts, but also create opportunities for local residents. We’re proud to work with Foss and look forward to the positive effect their presence will have in the city of New Bedford.”
The seller, Sprague Massachusetts Properties, is wholly owned by Axel Johnson Inc., which is a private operating company with a mission to invest in and help grow industry-leading businesses over the long term. Until mid-2021, Axel Johnson was the majority owner of Sprague Operating Resources with Sprague utilizing the New Bedford facility as a petroleum marketing location. In the near-term, Sprague will continue to service the New Bedford petroleum market from its nearby Providence, R.I., distribution terminals via truck.
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held later this year, in conjunction with the One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce.
– Saltchuk Marine
