The future of offshore wind energy in New Bedford hangs in the balance as President Trump's administration takes a strong stance against this burgeoning industry. The administration's actions threaten to unravel the significant investments made in the region to develop a hub comprising docks, terminals, and training programs aimed at supporting offshore wind energy initiatives. With the cancellation or halting of over six projects in federal waters off New England, only Vineyard Wind remains on track to proceed—at least for the time being.
The implications of these federal decisions are profound, risking thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity. More importantly, they threaten to undermine the vision for a modern, evolving maritime economy in a community whose identity is deeply connected to the sea. The Vineyard Wind project, with a budget of $4 billion and approximately 30% completion, has already supported over 3,400 jobs and is projected to generate nearly $800 million in economic output for Massachusetts, particularly benefiting New Bedford according to a study by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Springline Research.
David Langlais, business manager of Iron Workers Local 37, expressed his disbelief at the potential cessation of such a vital project, stating, “It boggles my mind that they want to stop something that is generating the economy, providing work opportunities for Americans, and creating a whole new industry. This is a real tragedy.”
New Bedford, once one of the richest cities in the United States during the 19th-century whaling era and a prominent textile manufacturing hub, has faced significant economic challenges as it attempts to transition away from these dwindling industries. Although fishing and seafood processing remain anchors of the local economy—making it the most lucrative fishing port in the U.S.—New Bedford still grapples with high poverty rates. The city has a household median income that is just 55% of the state average and an unemployment rate of 6.6%, nearly 2 percentage points higher than Massachusetts as a whole.
The offshore wind industry has emerged as a new lifeline for New Bedford and Southeastern Massachusetts, offering fresh job opportunities and investment. Since 2023, Vineyard Wind has been pre-assembling and transporting turbine parts from the Marine Commerce Terminal, a 29-acre facility operated by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. The state has invested approximately $110 million into redeveloping the terminal, solidifying New Bedford's ambition to become the epicenter of the offshore wind industry. Recently, the Healey administration committed an additional $45 million to further expand the terminal's capabilities.
Among the workers at the terminal is Brito, who transitioned from a retail job to become a millwright, a trade focused on installing and maintaining heavy machinery. She found inspiration watching turbine parts being shipped for offshore installation and secured a position with Vineyard Wind last year, more than doubling her previous hourly wage. "I’m so grateful that I have work close to home, and be in my environment,” Brito remarked. “I feel so proud working in something that’s affecting my community.”
Wages for workers on the Vineyard Wind project range from $30 to $60 an hour, depending on expertise and experience, according to union officials. However, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the offshore wind sector due to the Trump administration's policies has raised concerns about the future of these jobs and investments.
The effects of the offshore wind industry's growth extend beyond individual workers; local businesses have also benefited significantly. For instance, Miguel’s, a Portuguese restaurant near the terminal, has seen an influx of customers due to the wind industry boom. The restaurant's manager, Juan Miguel, expressed concern that if the projects were halted, the impact on local businesses would be severe. “It’d be nice to tell Mr. Trump to finish playing with wars and start creating more jobs,” he lamented.
Similarly, the Harbor Hotel has experienced increased occupancy rates and revenues, thanks to the influx of offshore wind workers from around the globe. General Manager Kim O’Keefe noted, “It’s brought the city and the community a great amount of business, and nobody wants to see that go.”
The offshore wind sector has also spurred educational investments, with Bristol Community College transforming a former fish-packing warehouse into the National Offshore Wind Institute, which has certified over 300 workers since its inception. However, training programs have slowed due to uncertainty in the industry, with unions like Millwrights Local 1121 pausing member participation in offshore training until the market stabilizes.
Despite the challenges posed by the Trump administration's policies, there is cautious optimism among local leaders. Jennifer Downing of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster and Mayor Jon Mitchell believe that the offshore wind industry will ultimately rebound. “When it does,” Downing stated, “ports like New Bedford will be ready and, I’d venture to say, in an even better position to seize the opportunity.”
As workers like Brito continue their crucial roles in loading turbine sections onto vessels heading to the Vineyard Wind site, the potential of offshore wind energy remains a beacon of hope for New Bedford. Eric Troia, an industrial painter and foreman, reflects on his journey in the offshore sector, stating, “They weren’t lying when they said this kind of work is the biggest opportunity we were going to do in our lifetime.”
