Sprague Operating Resources LLC, one of the largest suppliers of energy products and material handling services in the Northeast, has unveiled a revised plan to support Maine’s offshore wind initiative from its Mack Point terminal in Searsport. This alternative, lower-impact proposal was developed in collaboration with a marine engineering firm in the summer of 2023 and presents several advantages over the original Mack Point and Sears Island plans proposed by the State’s engineering contractor, Moffat & Nichol.
James Therriault, vice president of materials handling at Sprague, emphasised the benefits of the new plan, stating, “The Sprague Energy Mack Point Terminal alternative preserves all of our current operations and minimises dredging and wetland impact while leveraging a facility with over 20 years of wind component handling experience. Our Mack Point terminal has been operating in Maine since 1905. By reimagining this industrial site, we can play an integral role in achieving Maine’s offshore wind energy generation goals.”
The new plan leverages existing infrastructure, reduces carbon emissions, and protects 100 acres of undisturbed natural habitat on and off Sears Island. Sprague’s proposal includes:
- 100 Acres Segregated from Current Activities: A dedicated entrance to a separate area, ensuring minimal disruption.
- Dedicated Vessel Component Receipt Dock: Already dredged to 35 feet of mean low water.
- Dedicated Base Launching Dock: Allows for the use of a semi-submersible barge or Tug Dock device.
- Dedicated Base Assembly Area: Positioned away from the main facility flow.
- Dedicated Fit-Up Dock for Wind Energy Component Assembly: Separate from the launch dock to avoid conflicts during blade lifting and allow for the use of large assembly cranes.
- Increased Docking Space: Provides 1,600 feet of dock face for large vessels and foundations, plus an additional 1,000 feet for small work boats and tugs.
- Second Large Vessel Dock: For current bulk and liquid operations, also serving as a backup component receipt dock.
- Designated Support Services Area: Allocates space for employee parking, warehousing, administrative offices, and work trailers.
- 10-acre Full-Function Rail Yard: Utilises an existing rail yard recently renovated at a cost of $2 million, facilitating the delivery of domestically sourced components and supplies.
Therriault added, “Sprague believes it’s in the best interests of Mainers to urge the State to fully analyse the costs, timings, and impacts of Sprague’s alternative design. We believe this alternative achieves the goal of minimising impacts on natural and working lands, while reducing overall cost and providing all the same operational and vessel functionality.”
Rolf E. Olsen, vice president of Friends of Sears Island, a volunteer nonprofit managing the island’s conservation area, expressed support for the Mack Point alternative. Olsen stated, “Building a wind port on Sears Island means more than 75 acres of upland forest will be cleared, graded, and compacted. It also means filling 25 acres of pristine Penobscot Bay. Redeveloping Mack Point, which has thrived as an industrial site for more than a century, is a far better and less disruptive decision.”
Sprague’s proposal highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats while supporting renewable energy development. The company aims to reduce construction time and costs, leveraging the industrial nature of Mack Point to minimise delays in permitting. This strategic approach underscores Sprague’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and efficient resource management.
For more information visit www.spragueenergy.com
