‘It is the mission of the Maine Port Authority to improve the global competitiveness of Maine businesses by developing and operating marine and rail facilities, in a responsible fashion, for the intermodal movement of people and cargo. Our responsibilities extend the length of Maine’s nearly 3,500 mile coastline that hosts a myriad of uses. The future success of our state’s commercial maritime endeavors is dependent on the intelligent planning and coordination of multiple uses and users of our shared ocean resource. Future economic prosperity will be closely linked to developing a comprehensive management plan capable of offering guidance for all disparate uses requiring access to the ocean. Whether this is fishing, aquaculture, renewable energy, shipping, or recreation, opportunities abound, however careful planning is required to ensure development progresses sustainably.
Currently, Maine is growing its dynamic portfolio of maritime activities in a number of different areas. These include the development of renewable energy in the form of tidal power and offshore wind, the expansion of international and domestic shipping infrastructure and capacities, the utilization of innovative fishing and aquaculture methodologies, and modernized support of ocean-based tourism. Now more than ever, intelligent and collaborative ocean planning is needed to build upon Maine’s rich history in maritime commerce while protecting the ocean and its resources for future generations.’
Photography by © Chris Cary