New York, N.Y. (September 23, 2024) — Today, Regional Plan Association and Karp Strategies released a comprehensive report urging the Tri-state area to make bold investments in offshore wind ports, plan collaboratively for a regional port ecosystem, and ensure workforce development aligns with offshore wind goals. The new report, Ports of Opportunity: Advancing Offshore Wind Ports in the Tri-State Region, highlights the challenges that come with the implementation of a new industry and that without strategic investments in ports, the region risks falling short of its ambitious climate and renewable energy targets.
Offshore wind is a vital source of clean energy that will be needed to achieve the region’s renewable energy goals (100 percent clean energy by 2040 in New York and Connecticut, and by 2035 in New Jersey). Ports are at the heart of offshore wind and its economic and sustainability promise. Offshore wind ports are responsible for the manufacturing, marshaling, and operations & maintenance of offshore wind projects. The report finds significant opportunities to position the Tri-state region at the center of the offshore wind development industry via the development of planned ports, completing those under construction, and advancing new ones. Currently there are no fully operational manufacturing ports, and only one operational marshaling port in the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut region.
“Ports are the backbone of the offshore wind industry and a critical driver in our shift to renewable energy,” said Robert Freudenberg, Vice President of Energy & the Environment at Regional Plan Association. “They don’t just support climate goals; they generate local jobs and boost supply chains. But for ports to truly deliver on their potential, we must commit to strategic investments and foster regional cooperation.”
“Our region is at a pivotal moment in building a thriving offshore wind industry,” said Rebecca Karp, Founding Principal and CEO of Karp Strategies. “Strategic investments in port infrastructure are essential to building a resilient, equitable ecosystem that not only advances our offshore wind goals but also drives economic growth, job creation, and long-term sustainability. By collaborating and aligning workforce development with industry needs, we have the chance to create a regional port network that fosters growth, strengthens supply chains, and delivers real benefits to our communities. The time to act is now—we cannot afford a conservative approach that risks delays, bottlenecks, and setbacks to our climate and economic targets.”
To date, nearly $1.6 billion in federal, state, and local funds have been committed for upgrading or constructing offshore wind ports, with $424 million in New York, $925 million in New Jersey, and $210 million in Connecticut, leveraging an initial $1.5 billion in private investment. Despite this financial commitment, the unpredictability of an emerging industry has led to delays and limited opportunities for ports in New York and New Jersey. A more conservative approach to public investment would threaten to leave the region with too few ports to support the future pipeline of offshore wind projects, resulting in potential bottlenecks that cost time and money and hinder states from achieving their climate targets. Additionally, a national shortage of domestically built, specialized vessels could further constrain progress.
Key Recommendations
The report outlines several recommendations to ensure the region’s ports support the burgeoning offshore wind industry and contribute to a sustainable future:
Invest in Ports Today: States must act now, not holding back on public investment in various types of ports. New York, for example, has the chance to secure a marshaling port without air draft restrictions. Insufficient public investment risks project delays, cost overruns, and missed climate targets.
Plan for a Regional Port Ecosystem: While states have pursued individual port opportunities, a more collaborative, regional approach is needed. Planning for a regional ecosystem can maximize port spaces, leverage supply chains, and support workforce development across state lines.
Future-Proof Our Ports: Ensure investments are forward-looking, making ports modern, sustainable, resilient, and flexible to adapt to evolving industry needs, including larger and floating turbines.
Build the Vessels Needed: Developers and other capable entities should build more specialized, domestically compliant vessels to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Ensure an Ample and Equitable Workforce: Training programs, union agreements, and a focus on including disadvantaged communities in the offshore wind employment pipeline are essential for delivering long-term benefits to workers across the region.
Karp Strategies and RPA will outline key takeaways from today’s report at their NYC Climate Week panel, “The Promise of Ports: Advancing Offshore Wind Ports in the Tri-State Region,” on September 23, alongside experts representing the offshore wind industry, ports, economic development, and partner communities. At RPA’s annual gala, “Celebrate the Tri-State,” they will also honor NYSERDA President, Doreen M. Harris with their Making it Happen award for her leadership in offshore wind development and invites the offshore wind community to join in recognizing her achievements.
A full copy of the report is linked https://rpa.org/work/reports/ports-of-opportunity.
