be cheaper for fishermen to use the electricity from the shore-side power pedestals as compared to the fuel costs for on-board generators. “This effort is part of the commission’s commitment to the revitalization of New Bedford’s historic harbor,” said Kristin Decas, Port Director, CEO and Executive Director of New Bedford Harbor Development Commission. “The team has done an excellent job of analyzing and recommending immediate solutions to reduce our carbon footprint and other air pollutants. We are very excited to see work underway on the installation of these power pedestals, which we see as a critical part of our efforts to upgrade the harbor’s infrastructure.” The New Bedford Harbor Development Commission was created in 1957 and serves as the governing body of the port’s 21 commercial properties, five municipal fish piers, 1,600 linear feet of fish product unloading dock, a 198 slip marina and over 500 moorings. Considered the number one commercial fishing port in the United States, New Bedford Harbor has an average of 132 boats docked at a time and over 470 boats annually. Over the duration of the project, 42 pedestals will be installed on four of New Bedford Harbor’s Wharves, starting with eight on Fisherman’s Wharf and followed by 16 on Steamship Pier and Coal Pocket Pier, six on Homer’s Wharf and 12 on Leonard’s Wharf. We talked with SourceOne engineer Jules Nohra about the project and how it might translate to other inland port facilities. The concept seems to be akin to a motorhome pulling into an RV park and plugging in for power. Is that an accurate way of looking at it? That is accurate. The pedestals used in this case are designed for marine use, but otherwise, the concept is very similar. Who came up with this idea of the power pedestal to power vessels? The New Bedford Harbor Development Commission originally hired SourceOne to conduct an analysis of the feasibility of the electrification project.
2011 Issue IV
www.inlandportmagazine.com
9