Vineyard Wind is supporting the Port of New Bedford, in Massachusetts, with a $50,000 (€45,400) grant to develop publicly owned port facilities for shore-based offshore wind operations.
The grant is intended to support the necessary technical consultants and industry experts needed for the city of New Bedford to carry out engineering studies for “unlocking opportunities for growth and development” along the New Bedford Harbour waterfront.
Vineyard Wind chief development officer Erich Stephens said: “Vineyard Wind is happy to support the City of New Bedford and the Port Authority in developing their port assets to further take advantage of the impending economic development opportunities that the offshore wind industry will provide in the coming years.
“Greater New Bedford is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the offshore wind industry given its proximity to the lease areas, the city’s skilled workforce, and the existing maritime economy.”
Port director Ed Anthes-Washburn added, “We appreciate the support of Vineyard Wind to help the Port of New Bedford prepare for what we expect to be a significant increase in port activity.
“This funding will help New Bedford Port Authority identify innovative ways to benefit from the both the Vineyard Wind 1 construction project and categorise medium and long term opportunities for the port and our stakeholders in the offshore wind space.”