May 19, 2025 (Searsport, ME) — A new independent study has put numbers to the massive economic benefits a Maine-based offshore wind port would bring to the state, especially for Searsport and surrounding communities.
The new Economic Impact Analysis conducted by Karp Strategies found that if an offshore wind port is constructed and used to build 3 GW of floating offshore wind, it will support more than 6,000 jobs during construction, an average of nearly 1,000 jobs annually through 2050, and deliver total economic benefits of $6.6 billion. The new jobs would include good-paying union careers in manufacturing and fabrication, and operations and maintenance.
“As a union worker and Searsport resident, I’m excited about the good-paying union jobs that an offshore wind port would bring to our community,” said Matt Pender, an electrician and IBEW 1253 member. “It’s a win for workers, Maine’s economy, and the climate, creating thousands of family-sustaining jobs while also helping to power a cleaner future.”
Constructing the port alone will result in $1.1 billion in economic activity in the region, including business activity, wages, and tax revenues for local communities. If the port is used to construct the State of Maine’s proposed 144 MW research array alone, but not additional projects to meet Maine’s 3 GW target, the region would miss out on $2.1B in economic activity by 2050 ($4.5B vs. $6.6B).
“Offshore wind has enormous technical potential for Maine and the rest of New England. We should continue to identify methods to develop this resource in a manner that works for ratepayers, the state’s economy, and existing industries,” said Patrick Woodcock, President & CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “The Maine State Chamber of Commerce looks forward to partnering to responsibly develop this local resource and expand economic opportunities, investment in ports, and ultimately jobs for our state.”
The analysis was based on the wind procurement amount set by a landmark 2023 offshore wind bill and the Maine Department of Transportation’s proposed Sears Island port location. The findings would be similar for any facility that can be proven to support the construction of commercial scale floating offshore wind projects.
“Maine’s proud ship-building and maritime history perfectly position our state to lead the world in floating offshore wind technology, unlocking economic opportunity up and down the coast,” said Jack Shapiro, Climate & Clean Energy Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine. “Offshore wind is Maine’s most abundant clean energy resource. Tapping into the strong, consistent winds in the Gulf of Maine will make us more energy independent and stabilize electricity prices for everyone.”
The study also showed that these economic benefits can still be realized despite the Trump Administration’s efforts to block the development of this new source of American-made clean energy. If construction occurs through 2050, the results would be similar for Maine’s economy and communities.
Click here to view the full Economic Impact Analysis, which was prepared for the Natural Resources Council of Maine in partnership with other local labor and environmental organizations.
