SALEM — The City of Salem has entered into an agreement that would establish Salem Harbor as the state’s second major offshore wind port.
Vineyard Wind, and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) have entered into an agreement with Salem, as well as Crowley Maritime Corporation, to create a public-private partnership for the project. The proposal, which has been dubbed “Commonwealth Wind,” is contingent upon the company winning an award from the Commonwealth, which is currently evaluating offshore wind procurement bids.
Under the proposed agreement, Crowley Maritime Corporation would purchase 42 acres of land surrounding Salem Harbor Station and would serve as the long-term offshore wind-port operator for the site.
“I am pleased to welcome Vineyard Wind and Crowley Maritime here to Salem,” said Mayor Kimberley Driscoll during a ceremony on Thursday. “For centuries, when Salem looked toward its future, it looked toward the sea. This site, in particular, has provided the electricity that has powered our community and our commonwealth for generations.
“With this announcement, that legacy can continue with a new focus on a clean-energy future, based on renewable power and with a shared commitment to positive action to mitigate climate change. In addition, this project would provide a significant expansion to our commercial tax base and create hundreds of clean-energy jobs, right here in Salem. I’m looking forward to working with the Vineyard and Crowley teams, as well as our own local stakeholders here in the community, as this exciting new opportunity moves ahead.”
Vineyard Wind estimates that the project would create up to 400 full-time-equivalent (FTE) job years during the revitalization of the port; it would create another 500 FTEs over the first five years of operation for construction and staging for wind projects and also day-to-day port operations, the company said.
The other proposal seeking to develop offshore wind off Martha’s Vineyard is Mayflower Wind, representing Boston and Fall River.
“This is a critical opportunity for Salem to join offshore wind production in the commonwealth,” said state Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem). “Salem Harbor’s deep port provides an ideal site for offshore-wind production and supports regional and statewide efforts to establish reliable renewable-energy resources to combat climate change. The partnership between Salem, Vineyard Wind and Crowley Maritime will boost our state’s economy while preserving the long-term interests of our community.”
The Commonwealth Wind project would involve using the site for turbine assembly and staging activities, utilizing the site to store and assemble components — including blades, nacelles, and tower sections — as they are prepared for offshore installation. Vineyard Wind sees Salem Harbor as a necessary addition to support the offshore-wind industry within the commonwealth and across the region.
The first major offshore wind port in Massachusetts is located in Martha’s Vineyard; it is currently under construction.
