Salem, MA – Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, with Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, recently joined Crowley Wind Services President and CEO Bob Karl and other leaders for a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Salem Offshore Wind Terminal.
The project involves transforming a former oil- and coal-fired power plant into Massachusetts’ second wind port. The terminal is being built to support the construction of offshore wind farms in New England and future floating turbines in the Gulf of Maine. Crowley also announced that the company has awarded Massachusetts-based joint venture DW White JF White to be the project’s general contractor. The contractor has executed a Project Labor Agreement with the North Shore Building and Construction Trades and the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC).
Salem Offshore Wind Terminal groundbreaking
“Coming on the heels of $389 million in federal funds for offshore wind transmission in Somerset, the expansion of the port in New Bedford, and now the groundbreaking in Salem, Massachusetts is well-positioned to support the growing offshore wind industry,” said Healey. “These investments in infrastructure are boosting the local economy, creating union jobs, and transforming the way we power our homes and businesses. Credit to Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for her vision, Mayor Pangallo for securing a strong Community Benefits Agreement, and to the many other stakeholders who are making the pivot to offshore wind.”
In February 2023, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), Crowley Wind Services and the City of Salem announced an agreement for the transfer of ownership, site improvements and ongoing operations at the Salem Offshore Wind Terminal. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, MassCEC and the U.S. Maritime Administration have partnered with Crowley and the City of Salem on the terminal.
The terminal will provide opportunities for jobs and prioritize hiring local residents, especially those from underserved backgrounds. Crowley has also partnered with the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Salem High School to provide career training.
Crowley will be responsible for redeveloping and operating the terminal. They have 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 this purpose. Crowley’s Wind Services will improve the site by adding infrastructure for heavy equipment, constructing a new ship berth, upgrading the city’s existing berth, and dredging the harbor channel. The wind port is expected to begin operating in 2026.
