The Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap, released in 2023, determined a port facility is a priority for unlocking Maine’s opportunity in offshore wind to create good-paying jobs, spurring broad economic development, and generating abundant clean electricity to stabilize energy costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Based on feasibility studies conducted by the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), input from an extensive Offshore Wind Port Advisory Group stakeholder process, and several environmental studies, Maine is advancing plans for a purpose-built facility in Searsport at Sears Island for floating offshore wind fabrication, staging, assembly, maintenance, and deployment. With deepwater access to the port development site, Maine has the potential to establish a premier location for the industry and help meet growing demand in the U.S. for offshore wind port infrastructure. Learn more about this decision here, which was announced on February 20, 2024.
Background
In March 2020, Governor Mills directed MaineDOT to study the Port of Searsport to assess needs to support Maine’s offshore wind industry. An active seaport since the 1700s, the Port of Searsport is among the most versatile port sites on the East Coast. The study (PDF), delivered in November 2021, evaluated various locations in the Port of Searsport for an offshore wind port, including Mack Point and an area of state-owned Sears Island. At that time, Governor Mills announced the State’s intention to explore port development to support floating offshore wind and directed MaineDOT to conduct a robust public process and engage with key stakeholders and community organizations.
In March 2022, MaineDOT announced the creation of a 19-member Offshore Wind Port Advisory Group to advise the State on port development. The Group, which included a broad spectrum of state and local stakeholders, held six public meetings in 2022 and 2023 and toured existing port facilities in Searsport and Eastport to inform its work. The port proposal is subject to extensive and independent State and Federal permitting processes, including assessments of environmental impacts and alternative sites. MaineDOT, on behalf of the State, intends to apply for permits in 2024, which will also include additional opportunities for stakeholder and public input on the project.
Contact
For more information on the study, please contact Celina Cunningham at Celina.Cunningham@maine.gov.