Potential redefined | New products and new investments position the Port of Eastport for growth
Executive director, Eastport Port Authority
The American Heritage Dictionary lists the definition of potential as “The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or coming into being.” One could however add, “See Port of Eastport”.
Since its inception, the Port of Eastport has always proven it can and will produce. At its onset in 1977, initial studies suggested that the port would struggle to break the 50,000 ton mark annually. However, good old-fashioned Down East perseverance, perhaps best exemplified by those who work on or around Maine’s waters, led the Port of Eastport to pay no mind to those detractors. Through perseverance, a talented work force, smart investment and a symbiotic relationship with the Domtar Mill in Baileyville, the Port of Eastport proved these studies wrong and continually achieved record growth, culminating with a record export of 376,873 metric tons in 2008.
However, the economic downturn of 2009 presented an uncertain future for the port with the idling of the Domtar Pulp Mill. Although it thankfully was only a temporary idling, that period of uncertainty had some yet again questioning the port’s future, viewing the port as solely a supportive asset to Domtar, with no other need or opportunity.
Enter that Down East perseverance yet again. Instead of looking at the Domtar situation as an end, local leaders used this opportunity to remind themselves and the rest of the state that the Port of Eastport is an extraordinary asset unto itself. Its Estes Head facility built in 1998 boasts a naturally occurring draft of 64 feet and approach channels of over 100 feet, making it the deepest natural seaport in all of the continental United States. As other ports look to overcome the financial and environmental hurdles of dredging and construction in order to meet the demands of ever-growing vessels in the international shipping market, the Port of Eastport is already prepared, with no additional costs. Its natural attributes make it one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly pier facilities in the nation.
Those attributes have allowed it to diversify into the industries of tomorrow. This includes, notably, the renewable energy market and the port’s ability to complement a green transportation system.
The port strengthened its relationship with the expanding wind energy market both locally and abroad, and began importing terrestrial wind farm components for the first time this year. Through these initial shipments, the port showcased its team of Federal Marine Terminals, the Northeast Longshoremen’s Association and local support industries. Their combined efficiency and cost effectiveness took the Port of Eastport from being a new player in the wind business to a known leader in it, all in 2009.
The port also is partnered with the Ocean Renewable Power Co., which is refining ways to generate power from our oceans through tidal technology. Now in its third year, the partnership will deploy a full-scale test unit this fall.
The idea of power from our oceans does not stop there. The port is now an active participant in the University of Maine’s offshore wind development discussions, intending to be a driving force behind developing potential research sites in Washington County. In addition, the port is monitoring regional LNG terminal projects as those, too, might add to the port’s diversification opportunities.
The upcoming transportation bond contains a provision that would allow us to invest in automated bulk handling equipment in order to tap the bulk commodities market. For instance, industrial wood pellets continue to be an export growth sector destined largely for Europe. Being large volume/low value goods, the key to moving these types of goods is large volume/low-cost transportation, and that means deeper draft vessels. As the easternmost port in the United States with the ability to handle the growing draft requirements of export shipments, the Port of Eastport is well positioned for this new market. Targeted investment such as automation will help develop this export industry for Maine.
A coalition of local, state, and federal leaders, including Gov. Baldacci, Sens. Snowe and Collins and Congressman Michaud, is championing one of the most visionary efforts to spark economic development in Washington County by submitting a request under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act to provide rail connectivity to the Port of Eastport for the first time in its 30-plus years via a new transload facility in Perry. For a long time, the lack of rail service has been seen as a major hurdle to true port development and diversification in a region of the state that desperately needs to grow its infrastructure and connectivity. This hurdle can now be overcome by building upon the Port of Eastport.
As Maine looks to find ways to invigorate our ailing economy, perhaps the best way to move forward is to return to our roots. The oceans have long been part of Maine’s economic foundation and now provide us with renewed opportunities; let us strengthen that foundation by investing in our port infrastructure.
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