Competing for Port Space in the New Blue Economy: Conflict and Cooperation in in Two Northeast US Working Waterfronts

Keywords: Offshore wind, working waterfronts
Session Type: Virtual Guided Poster Abstract
Day: Monday
Session Start / End Time: 2/28/2022 05:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/28/2022 06:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 8

Abstract

Working waterfront space is limited, leading to competition for coastal space among waterfront dependent, and non-waterfront dependent industries. The ascendance of offshore wind power in the US is squeezing already scarce port resources, exacerbating competition for these spaces, and generating conflicts. The Biden administration’s prioritization of wind energy generation has augmented demand for port space to serve as production, staging and marshalling areas for this offshore development. Although the development of wind power will occur offshore, Northeast US ports are anticipating port use by wind companies. This paper focuses on the competition for waterfront space on the Thames River, Connecticut, and in New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts. Emerging wind power in the new Blue Economy looks to reshape port usage, generating both winners and losers: a salt import company losing port access on the Thames River and at the same time new opportunities for derelict infrastructure of New Bedford Harbor to be upgraded to service the wind industry’s needs. This paper explores the processes by which port space is being (re)allocated and examines the generation of conflicts and cooperation among competing stakeholders.