Maine Port Authority Touts Wind Project Experience at AWEA Offshore WINDPOWER

    PORTLAND, ME, September 29, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Maine Port Authority will position Eastport, Searsport, and Portland as strategic wind power development assets at the AWEA Offshore WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition on October 11-13, in booth 331 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Maryland.

Maine Port Authority Director of Operations and Business Development Patrick Arnold will be meeting offshore wind developers to discuss the progress that the Maine Port Authority has made in transitioning the capabilities of three ports to better accommodate any and all wind projects.

"It is essential that the wind sector understands that Maine has three ports and a logistical infrastructure in place to handle offshore wind projects," stresses Arnold. "All three ports have the experience and have handled onshore wind projects for the Northeastern US and Atlantic Canada."

Extensive facility enhancements were undertaken as a result of a targeted offshore wind projects TIGER I grant funding for all three ports. The enhancements for each port are as follows:

- Portland (International Marine Terminal): $5 million in grant-funded terminal improvements, including an extended and reinforced pier (extending deep water berth space to 800 feet), strengthened soil, and new terminal structures (pending).

- Searsport (Mack Point Terminal): The addition of a Liebherr heavy-lift mobile harbor crane (pending), and pier and terminal upgrades designed to accommodate the new crane.

- Eastport: The installation of a level, reinforced storage pad designed for the lay down of wind turbine equipment.

Maine's rail connection to these ports - as well as to strategic inland rail hubs, that includes Presque Isle and Auburn - allow for convenient domestic sourcing of materials for wind turbine development. In addition, Maine's sheltered ports with natural deep water and large pier space provide an excellent opportunity for the offshore wind industry as logistics centers for offshore wind development.

Another promising indicator of Maine port utilization possibilities is that Searsport was recognized as one of 2009-2010 top ten busiest wind equipment handling ports in the US.

Maine transportation assets are excellent options for Northeast wind projects. Uncongested ports with ample road and rail access, in close proximity to the wind turbine projects provide cost-effective transportation opportunities.

To learn more about Maine Port Authority visit http://www.maineports.com.

Maine Port Authority Director of Operations and Business Development Patrick Arnold will be at 2011 AWEA Offshore WINDPOWER meeting offshore wind developers to discuss the progress that the Maine Port Authority has made in transitioning the capabilities of three ports to better accommodate any and all wind projects.

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