Salem, Massachusetts, hasn’t really been the same ever since the witch trials back in 1692. Now, the face of Salem is going to change again.
Vineyard Wind, the developer of the first big offshore wind farm in the U.S., just announced it will transform the port of Salem into a hub to support the new wind projects off the Massachusetts’ coast.
Indeed, Vineyard Wind has partnered with the City of Salem and Crowley Maritime Corporation to create a private-public partnership to establish Salem Harbor as the state’s second major offshore wind port, along with a similar site in New Bedford.
Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, Salem was an international trading port. Today, it is known more as a recreational harbor with ferry service to Boston, about 12 nm south.
Vineyard Wind says the Salem project will create about 400 jobs during the revitalization of the port and another 500 jobs over the first five years of construction. The project still needs to be approved by the state.
Vineyard Wind is a joint venture between Avangrid Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. It is developing two offshore wind projects on the outer continental shelf south of Massachusetts. A few weeks ago the company said it was moving forward with plans for two more projects off the Massachusetts coast.
Under the new plans, Crowley will purchase the 43 acres surrounding Salem Harbor Station, and will serve as the long-term offshore wind port operator there. The wind project will use the site to assemble turbines and components – blades, nacelle and tower sections – and prepare them for offshore installation.
Salem Harbor is a deep-water port with no height restrictions, so it can accommodate large-scale wind-turbine installation vessels.
“I am so pleased to welcome Vineyard Wind and Crowley Maritime here to Salem,” said Mayor Kimberley Driscoll. “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.” Read more:
