Crowley Wind Services, a JV between Crowley and Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, has carried out a ceremonial groundbreaking of the Salem Offshore Wind Terminal.
This project involves transforming a former oil- and coal-fired power plant into Massachusetts’ second offshore wind port, which will propel the state toward its clean energy goals and expedite the construction of next-generation wind farms.
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 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 harbour channel, the company said.
The wind port is expected to begin operating in 2026.
Crowley also announced today that the company has awarded Massachusetts-based JV 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).
In February 2023, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), Crowley Wind Services and the City of Salem announced a significant agreement for the transfer of ownership, site improvements and ongoing operations at the Salem Offshore Wind Terminal.
This terminal will be one of the few locations capable of supporting the construction and installation of fixed and floating offshore wind projects.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, MassCEC and the US Maritime Administration have partnered with Crowley and the City of Salem on the terminal.
The terminal will provide opportunities for jobs and prioritise hiring local residents, especially those from underserved backgrounds, Crowley said.
This will include about 150 jobs during construction and at least eight long-term Crowley employees to manage the terminal during operations, with an additional 20-30 jobs operating and maintaining the facility during busier periods.
When projects are underway, 60 to 150 jobs, from engineers to building trades, will also be available through Crowley tenants and their contractors, the company said.
Because building the workforce for this new industry is critical, Crowley has already partnered with the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Salem High School to provide career training.
Bob Karl, president and chief executive of Crowley Wind Services Holdings, said: “We appreciate the trust and collaboration by many local, state and federal stakeholders placed in Crowley Wind Services to develop and operate the Salem Offshore Wind Terminal as a leading hub for maritime and logistics services to help Massachusetts and New England reach their clean energy goals.
“The terminal will provide an essential nexus that supports our customers and the broader supply chain in our journey to deliver low-cost, renewable energy.
“The partnerships we have established across the industry will provide critical investments and jobs in Salem and the North Shore for a generation to come.”