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Port of Davisville Positions Rhode Island as a Hub for the Blue Economy

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Offshore wind thrives in Rhode Island.  

Home to the nation’s first pilot offshore wind farm, it’s one of two states that will benefit from the under-construction 704 MW Revolution Wind project (with plans for more projects in the future) and boasts top-notch ports and facilities.  

The Port of Davisville (PoD), operated by the Quonset Development Corp. (QDC), is the only public port in the state and plays a critical role in supporting industry operations in the state. The port is transformative for Rhode Island and the nation and the port’s prime location at the mouth of Narragansett Bay makes it ideal for importing and exporting, causing all vessel traffic to spike 47% between 2023 and 2024, with a 107% spike in offshore wind service vessel traffic alone.  

Location is not the only aspect of the port that makes it unique. Davisville has shown its ability to adapt to change, constructing Blue Economy Support Docks which will service smaller vessels dedicated to the offshore wind industry and allow for more handling of heavy offshore wind-related cargo. 

Currently, the PoD is completing an extensive renovation across all of the port’s infrastructure, modernizing and expanding each pier. So far, $152.7 million has been spent, accumulated partially from a grant from the Port Infrastructure Development Program within the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD). This will allow the port to receive more vessels and service the industry more effectively. 

The PoD works closely with partners within the public and private sector to emphasize the importance of the port and how it can directly help Rhode Island reach its 1.6 GW by 2030 offshore wind goal. 

Offshore wind turbine blades arrive at the PoD
Credit: Port of Davisville
Offshore wind turbine blades are unloaded at the PoD
Credit: Port of Davisville

Oceantic Network recently met with Port of Davisville Director Joe Riccio to discuss the recent growth of the port and how it has and will influence the industry. Read more below. 

Oceantic: What future offshore wind-related improvements or projects are planned for the port?   

Joe: We are constructing the brand-new Terminal 5 Pier –the first new pier built at Quonset in over 70 years– and the reconfiguration of our roadways to create easier access to the Port.  

Additionally, QDC has developed plans and is working to secure funding for the Quonset Multi-Modal Offshore Wind Technology Campus (QMTC). The QMTC will be a marine and aviation transportation hub used by the offshore wind industry for the development, operation, and maintenance of the offshore wind farms planned for the waters. The campus would include a designated space for four helicopter hangars and high-bay units that can be fit-out by users to meet their individual needs. 

Oceantic: The Port of Davisville is in the midst of a $234.5 million plan to modernize into a hub for offshore wind. What improvements have been made thus far?

Joe: The Port of Davisville Master Plan is providing a new 50-year service life to the Port’s infrastructure, and the upgrades are well underway.  

At Pier 2, we’ve completed a full expansion and modernization. The upgrades feature an extension of the East face, adding 900 feet with two heavy lift pads (2,000 PSF).    

Pier 1 is being refurbished in phases. Along the perimeter of the pier, we’re replacing the timber pile foundation and concrete deck and installing a new steel-pile supported concrete deck in its place. The North and South Faces of the pier are now open while construction has begun on the East Face. We project that this portion of the project will be completed later this year.    

The new Terminal 5 Pier will accommodate continued vehicle imports and service a variety of offshore wind vessels, freeing up berthing space that will allow Pier 2 to receive heavy cargo related to offshore wind projects. The Terminal 5 project also includes access and laydown improvements and roadway relocation. We expect the project to be completed later this year.   

Oceantic: When QDC began planning for these improvements, how did you determine which renovations were needed and where to start? When did those efforts begin?   

Joe: The efforts began more than 10 years ago with the development of the Block Island Wind Farm, the nation’s first offshore wind project. As the closest port to the offshore wind site, Davisville was in a unique position to lead. We had the infrastructure to handle much of the marshalling needs.  

As the offshore wind industry grew, we knew we needed to upgrade the Port’s World War II-era infrastructure to play our role. Today, Quonset is leading the way, with 116 offshore wind vessels having called on Davisville in 2024. 

For more stories of the people and companies making American offshore energy work, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to the Offshore Wind at Work LinkedIn Newsletter. 

All photos provided courtesy of the Port of Davisville

Oceantic Network’s Member Annual Report provides an overview of the work we do on your behalf through advocacy, education and training, events, and more, with 100% of your membership dues flowing back to support the industry.  

The 2024 report showcases our new Strategic Plan, which outlines the strategic direction this organization will take over the next four years, focusing on four priority areas with corresponding performance measures and outcomes for the next decade.This year’s report also highlights our U.S. Offshore Wind Jobs Report – Offshore Energy at Work – highlighting our road trip across the country visiting our member companies from the Great Lakes to the Gulf region and beyond. You’ll also find insights into how your support helped shape policy, expand industry education and training, and build critical connections across offshore wind’s 40-state supply chain and across the globe. 

Thank you for your efforts and advocacy to create strong partnerships, new training programs, and timely and innovative solutions to industry challenges. Take time to read through the report and see how your membership is driving change across this American industry. 

Read the Report

States across the U.S. are shaping the future of offshore energy, investing in port infrastructure, building a resilient supply chain, and positioning themselves for long-term economic growth. In February, Oceantic Network hosted our annual State of the States Webinar Series, where state and regional leaders shared key offshore wind developments, opportunities, and challenges in their markets.  

If you missed it, don’t worry—you can still get the latest updates at the U.S. Offshore Wind Market Update and Regional Breakfasts at the 2025 International Partnering Forum (IPF) in Virginia Beach, April 28 – May 1. While the webinars provided a snapshot of the unique role each region plays in the industry, at IPF you’ll hear conversations between state officials and network with the leaders shaping offshore wind’s future in the U.S. 

Here’s a preview of what to expect. 

Central Atlantic and Northeast: Building Projects and the Supply Chain 

The Northeast remains a leader in offshore wind, despite evolving market dynamics. New York reaffirmed its commitment to its 9 GW offshore wind goal, with its latest procurement round, transmission planning efforts, and more than $500 million in port and manufacturing investments moving forward. New Jersey continues to support its supply chain, with 5 GW of awarded projects and an active offshore wind supply chain registry with over 1,000 companies. 

The Central Atlantic is also becoming a key offshore wind hub, with major investments in infrastructure, supply chain development, and workforce training. Virginia is home to the nation’s largest offshore wind project—Dominion Energy’s 2.6 GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW), which is under construction and will be on display at 2025 IPF for attendees to learn about the project.  Maryland remains focused on offshore wind manufacturing and supply chain expansion, and earlier this year awarded US Wind additional energy credits to increase the capacity of the state’s project.  

Join us at the U.S. Offshore Wind Market Update, taking place Monday, April 28 at IPF, to learn how these regions are putting turbines in the water and strengthening their supply chains.    

New England: Continued Advancement and Opportunities for Collaboration 

New England states are making significant progress. Massachusetts has taken a regional approach to procurement, awarding offshore wind contracts jointly with Rhode Island while investing in workforce training. Rhode Island continues to serve as a supply chain hub, with ProvPort and the Port of Davisville supporting vessel mobilization and cable logistics for multiple projects. Connecticut’s State Pier has already supported three offshore wind projects and continues to play a key role in regional offshore wind logistics. Maine is spearheading floating wind research through the Maine Research Array while also focusing on regional transmission planning and workforce development.  

New England states are also closely watching the advancement of Canada’s offshore wind market. Nova Scotia is expected to hold its first lease auction this year, potentially opening the door to new opportunities for the U.S. supply chain and discussions around cross-border energy collaboration.  

Join the New England and Atlantic Canada Regional Breakfast on Thursday, May 1 at IPF to dive deeper into how these states are navigating the evolving market.  

Gulf Region: Leveraging Offshore Expertise 

The Gulf Region is well-positioned to play a major role in offshore wind development, leveraging its long history in offshore oil and gas, extensive port infrastructure, and skilled maritime workforce.  Louisiana is actively preparing by building on its strong energy workforce and maritime expertise. The state is home to major offshore energy service providers and shipyards that could play a crucial role in turbine assembly, installation, and maintenance.  

Join the Gulf Coast Regional Breakfast on Thursday, May 1 for insights into the Gulf Coast’s massive and growing supply chain.   

West Coast: Preparing for Floating Offshore Wind  

The West Coast is paving the way for floating offshore wind, with efforts underway to build supply chain capacity, upgrade port infrastructure, and coordinate regional planning. California, with a 25 GW floating wind goal, is leading the charge by investing in port readiness studies and transmission planning while preparing to allocate $475 million in climate bond funds for port upgrades. The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has already approved new high-voltage transmission infrastructure to connect offshore wind from Humboldt Bay to the grid. Both Oregon and Washington are also engaging by building a local framework for the industry, setting standards and assessing transmission, supply chain capabilities, and more.  

Join the West Coast Regional Breakfast on Thursday, May 1 at IPF for more regional insights.  

Don’t miss your chance to stay ahead—register for IPF and secure your spot today!  

Register for IPF 

As energy demand continues to rise in the U.S., the call for reliable and scalable energy sources has never been louder. A new study reveals that American renewable energy technologies, including offshore wind power, are more than ready to meet the increasing demand for energy. This significant finding underscores that in order to meet our nation’s increasing energy demand, we must unleash all forms of American energy, not just some. And offshore wind energy—which is already delivering power—offers a clear path to not only meeting that demand, but also bolstering the American workforce, economy, and national security. 

The study from The Business Council for Sustainable Energy highlights a powerful shift in America’s energy landscape: renewable energy technologies are no longer just an option—they are a necessity. With advancements in wind, solar, and battery storage technologies, the U.S. is positioned to meet its growing energy needs at a pace that fossil fuels alone cannot match. Notably, the research shows that offshore wind energy, with its vast untapped potential along the East, West, and Gulf Coasts (as well as the Great Lakes), is primed to contribute significantly. 

Offshore wind energy represents one of the most promising solutions to America’s growing energy demands. Unlike land-based wind turbines, which are limited by geography and land use, offshore wind farms are placed in vast, open waters, where they can harness stronger, more consistent winds year-round. They have the potential to generate a substantial and predictable amount of energy that’s more consistent than onshore wind, capable of providing baseload capacity to power millions of homes and businesses. This reliability is essential as the U.S. looks to accelerate the production of American-made energy to meet the demands of a growing population, mass electrification, and energy-intensive sectors including AI, data, and manufacturing. 

With five large-scale offshore wind projects now under development along the East Coast, and one already operational, the offshore wind industry is delivering thousands of jobs and billions in investment across a 40-state supply chain. But the economic benefits of offshore wind extend beyond job creation. Investments in this technology also support local economies and boost innovation in clean energy technologies, making America more globally competitive and helping diversify the nation’s energy mix. Offshore wind is a win for our economy and energy security. 

Establishing and meeting energy targets, maintaining tax incentives, shaping policy, and encouraging public-private partnerships are the fundamental building blocks of an industry which support its long-term growth. While the technology behind offshore wind energy has advanced rapidly, its true potential can only be realized with continued support from both the federal and state government. 

As we move forward, it’s important to support policies that enable further American investments in offshore wind energy to help meet the rising demand for reliable and affordable energy. Offshore wind is not just a potential solution – it already exists – and it can help meet our nation’s power demands today and in the future. 

Offshore wind energy is revitalizing American industries, creating thousands of jobs across the country in shipbuilding, steel manufacturing, port facilities, and more.

Oceantic Network has released a comprehensive snapshot of offshore wind industry activity, Offshore Energy at Work. Through stunning new photography, storytelling, and key industry data, the 60-page publication showcases the remarkable economic transformation driven by the burgeoning, domestic offshore wind industry, highlighting America’s ingenuity, resilience, and hard work that are helping the country meet the energy needs of the future.

Meet the welders, engineers, shipbuilders, technicians, and vessel operators who have brought this critical energy resource to life. Tour the factories where components are manufactured, the shipyards crafting purpose-built vessels, and the ports being transformed into hubs of activity –– from the Northeast to the West Coast and everywhere in between.

The report highlights how offshore wind is creating thousands of jobs, building a globally competitive workforce, revitalizing shipyards and ports, delivering secure and reliable American-made energy, and sparking new opportunities across the country in manufacturing and steel production. The report showcases:

  • A $25 billion wave of supply chain investments that has fueled significant growth in shipbuilding and steel production.
  • The widespread impact of the industry’s 40-state supply chain.
  • $1.8 billion in vessel orders across 21 U.S. shipyards
  • A $5 billion revitalization of U.S. ports, transforming them into hubs of economic activity from the East Coast to the Gulf of Mexico.

Oceantic Network releases its U.S. Offshore Wind Quarterly Market Report in April, July, October, and January. Each builds off our U.S. Offshore Wind Annual Market Report and provides key analysis of both federal and state government activities impacting the U.S. offshore wind industry. Quarterly Reports ensure companies are informed on offshore wind industry developments affecting their business.

The U.S. Offshore Wind Market Report (2024 Q3) is now available! Learn about project development updates, including information about the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project and Revolution Wind, which are undergoing installation activities on the East Coast. Additionally, in Q3, work began on the $300 million Salem Offshore Wind Terminal in Massachusetts, converting a former oil- and coal-fired power plant into what will become the region’s largest offshore wind port. Just south, Foss Offshore Wind completed the deepwater berth at the New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal, enabling docking for large capital vessels.

The report details important developments that affected the U.S. offshore wind industry in the third quarter of 2024, including:

  • Including an approval for Atlantic Shores South and US Wind’s Maryland Offshore Wind Project, BOEM has now approved ten offshore wind projects totaling 15 GW.
  • Massachusetts and Rhode Island awarded provisional offtake agreements for 2,878 MW of capacity across three projects.
  • California and Delaware approved their first offshore wind procurement targets, setting the stage for future state-driven offtake rounds.
  • Four new crew transfer vessels (CTVs) for the offshore wind industry were launched in Q3 of 2024, marking ten newbuild CTVs launched for the offshore wind industry in 2024.
  • Between July and September, $2.1 billion was invested in the U.S. offshore wind market across transmission, port, and supply chain development, as well as research and vessels.

For weekly U.S. offshore wind updates, subscribe to the Offshore Wind Insider newsletter.  

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