This investment will create new tenant space at ProvPort and new berthing space at Quonset’s Port of Davisville that will allow both ports to better service growth and pursue new shipping business.

But why now?  What are the opportunities? 

First – servicing the growing off shore wind industry. Centrally located between Cape Cod and New Jersey, Rhode Island is well positioned to continue to be a leader in this area. Experts project billions in private investment and thousands of jobs in the coming years. But Narragansett Bay struggled to find the terminal space to service the five wind turbines for the first-in-the-nation Block Island wind farm.  Current plans call for hundreds more such turbines, which means that Rhode Island must invest in its port terminal space, or be left behind by Massachusetts and Connecticut. 

The opening of the new Panama Canal creates even more opportunity for new cargoes and new shipping. Already, ships that couldn’t have fit through the old canal (post-Panamax ships) are calling in Narragansett Bay. The canal’s recent expansion means smaller ships may be pushed aside for larger ones at major East Coast ports, like New York, creating opportunity for Rhode Island at Quonset and at the deep-water port in Providence.

Protect What We Have and Build for the Future

The plan will preserve hundreds of jobs in the maritime sector and keep Rhode Island competitive with other ports in the region.

As our neighboring states make massive investments in their ports, including over $700 million in Connecticut and $660 million in Massachusetts. We must re-invest in our key waterfront assets or Rhode Island will be left behind.