Federal, state, and local officials ceremoniously raise and lower flags, marking the commencement of pile driving for the future Terminal 5 Pier behind them.
Federal, state and local leaders joined the Quonset Development Corporation today for a piledriving ceremony to mark the beginning of construction at the Port of Davisville’s Terminal 5 Pier and Blue Economy Support Docks, the first new pier built at Quonset in almost 70 years.
The Terminal 5 Pier will offer specialized berthing spaces to accommodate a variety of offshore wind vessels. The Blue Economy Support Docks and boat ramp will accommodate smaller boats and the short-term docking needs of small businesses, emerging companies and research and development organizations.
The Port of Davisville is one of the Top 10 auto importers in North America and an emerging hub for offshore wind. Rhode Island’s only public port, Davisville supports more than 1,600 jobs and generates $374 million in annual economic output.
“Thanks to the consistent support of our partners in government and the private sector the Port of Davisville is booming,” said QDC Managing Director Steven J. King, P.E. “In the first six months of 2024, auto imports were up 51% over that same period in 2023. 39 offshore wind vessels have already called on Davisville while supporting projects like Revolution Wind and South Fork.”
“The Terminal 5 Pier and Blue Economy Support Docks will allow Quonset to keep up with rising demand while positioning Quonset – and Rhode Island – as a key offshore wind hub in the North Atlantic,” King added.
The Terminal 5 Pier and Blue Economy Support Docks are part of the Port of Davisville Master Plan, a $234 million development project that will provide a new 50-year service life to the port’s infrastructure.
The project is fully funded through State Fiscal Recovery Funds, allocated to Rhode Island as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.
“Years of hard work and wise investments at the state and federal level have helped transform Quonset into an engine of economic growth for Rhode Island. Today, we kick off construction of a brand new pier that will bring in more good-paying jobs for Rhode Islanders in the Blue Economy,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee who has been working for decades to secure federal funds to upgrade Quonset. “I was proud to deliver key federal funding for Rhode Island through the American Rescue Plan Act, which is helping to move this project forward.”
“Quonset is well-positioned to help bring Rhode Island’s Blue Economy to the next level,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “The Terminal 5 Pier, built with federal funding from the American Rescue Plan, is the first new pier at Quonset in nearly 70 years. It was designed specifically to handle the unique needs of the growing offshore wind industry.”
“With the construction of the first new pier in Quonset in nearly 70 years, we’re scaling up operations and doubling down on Rhode Island’s Blue Economy strengths,” said U.S. Congressman Seth Magaziner. “This is a big milestone for our state that will create good-paying jobs, drive economic activity and accelerate our transition to affordable, clean energy.”
“Funded through President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, this project advances our state’s climate goals and helps deliver clean, affordable power for Rhode Islanders,” said U.S. Congressman Gabe Amo. “I thank my colleagues and our state officials for their work to bring these transformative investments to the Ocean State.”
"Investments in Quonset are investments in Rhode Island's future," said Governor Dan McKee. "These new projects support the rising demand in the offshore wind industry and reaffirm Rhode Island's position as a leader in the Blue Economy."
“Rhode Island is leading the way in environmental initiatives: our landmark Act on Climate set forth a series of ambitious, enforceable climate emissions reduction mandates. As we move toward our goals of a state government powered by 100% renewable electricity by 2033 and net-zero emissions by 2050, we must increase our capacity for clean energy and offshore wind,” said Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi. “The Port of Davisville is a key asset in our Blue and Green Economies and a cornerstone of industry in our state. Quonset’s success is great news for the state of Rhode Island!”
“The Port of Davisville is a global gateway to New England and an irreplaceable resource for Rhode Island. The Terminal 5 Pier and Blue Economy Support Docks will position the Port as an even greater catalyst for economic growth, keep the Ocean State at the forefront of renewable energy, and support 21st-century research and development initiatives. I’m grateful to Steve King and his team for their incredible work at Quonset,” said Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence).
"The expansion at the Port of Davisville with the Terminal 5 Pier and Blue Economy Support Docks is a strategic investment in our state’s maritime infrastructure. This project will not only strengthen our position as a leader in offshore wind, but it will create jobs and boost our economy for years to come," said Secretary of Commerce and QDC Board Chair Liz Tanner.
Construction of the Terminal 5 Pier and Blue Economy Support Docks is being completed by a Design-Build Team comprised of Manafort Brothers, Inc. and WSP. Inc. The project is expected to be completed by winter of 2025.
Quonset Business Park is home to over 14,000 jobs at 239 companies, including nearly one of every five manufacturing jobs in the state. The Business Park generates $1.7 billion in annual household income for Rhode Island families, and over $170 million in tax revenue.
