Port of New Bedford gets $50,000 from Vineyard Wind

Posted Nov 25, 2019 at 2:40 PM. Updated Nov 25, 2019 at 2:40 PM
NEW BEDFORD — The New Bedford Port Authority has received $50,000 from Vineyard Wind to help ready the port for offshore wind.
Port officials have heard that an additional 50 vessels could be coming in and out of the harbor each day during construction of the wind farm, according to Edward Anthes-Washburn, Port Authority executive director. He said the port will use the money to help identify ways to accommodate more boats, determine what new infrastructure might be needed, and figure out how the port can leverage its existing infrastructure to take advantage of the opportunity.
“We appreciate the partnership with Vineyard Wind,” he said in an interview.
Vineyard Wind said in a press release that the grant will support technical consultants and industry experts to conduct engineering studies necessary for growth and development along the waterfront.
Erich Stephens, chief development officer for Vineyard Wind, said Greater New Bedford is uniquely positioned to capitalize on offshore wind because of the city’s proximity to the lease areas, its skilled workforce, and its existing maritime economy.
Vineyard Wind was selected in May of 2018 as Massachusetts’ first provider of offshore wind energy. Its permitting has been held up by the federal government.
The 800-megawatt wind farm would be located about 14 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard.
Headquartered in New Bedford, Vineyard Wind is a 50-50 partnership between funds of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Avangrid Renewables.
Original story here.