Unwanted Giants: Windmill Blades Arrive at Port of New Bedford

South Coast, MA — Massive wind turbine blades have begun arriving by ship at the Port of New Bedford for the SouthCoast Wind project, formerly known as Mayflower Wind. The blades, each nearly 300 feet long, are being delivered as part of the offshore wind development led by Shell New Energies and Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE.

SouthCoast Wind aims to generate over 2,400 megawatts of electricity—enough to power more than 1 million homes. The turbines will be installed more than 30 miles off the coast, in federal waters south of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

The company was awarded contracts by Massachusetts in 2019 and has since faced pushback from fishermen and residents concerned about marine impacts, navigation safety, and local economic disruptions. Despite ongoing permitting challenges and environmental reviews, SouthCoast Wind is moving forward with port upgrades and component shipments, marking a major milestone in the state’s offshore wind expansion.

300-foot wind turbine blades being transported.

SouthCoast Wind has committed to using the Port of New Bedford as a staging and assembly hub, positioning the city as a key player in the emerging offshore wind industry. The port, historically tied to commercial fishing, has undergone significant upgrades to accommodate the scale and weight of turbine components. Local officials see this as a potential economic boost, though many community members remain divided over the project’s long-term impact.

The project’s timeline has shifted amid regulatory delays and market uncertainties. In 2023, SouthCoast Wind filed to renegotiate or exit its original power purchase agreements due to rising costs and inflation. While state officials continue to support offshore wind as a cornerstone of Massachusetts’ climate goals, opposition from fishing groups and coastal towns underscores the tension between green energy development and traditional industries.