Cape Wind to Base Operations HQ at Falmouth Harbor, USA

Cape Wind has announced that it will base its operations headquarters on Falmouth Harbor on Cape Cod, creating 50 new permanent jobs.

Cape Wind President Jim Gordon said: “Cape and Islanders once lit the lamps of the world by harvesting whale oil. Pretty soon, every morning, workers will leave from Falmouth Harbor to harness the inexhaustible power of the wind for a healthier environment, increased energy independence and sustainable economic development.”

Earlier this week Cape Wind signed a Purchase and Sale agreement for East Marine located on Falmouth Heights Road on Falmouth Harbor.

Congressman William Keating said: “I am honored to be a part of today’s announcement by Cape Wind that they will base its operations headquarters in Falmouth Harbor. With the creation of fifty new jobs right here on Cape Cod and the staging area for turbine assembly across Buzzards Bay in New Bedford, Massachusetts’ role as a leader in offshore renewable energy is further solidified. Given Falmouth’s prime location and proximity to premiere marine science institutions, I could not think of a better selection for the headquarters of what will become our nation’s first offshore wind farm.”

Massachusetts Energy and Environment Secretary Richard Sullivan read a personal note of congratulations from Governor Deval Patrick at the announcement.

“Today’s announcement is an example of how the clean energy revolution is taking hold, and I believe it is a sign we’re not slowing down,” said Secretary Sullivan. “With the addition of 50 permanent jobs, we are growing the clean energy sector and ensuring Massachusetts continues to be the nation’s leader in offshore wind,” Secretary Sullivan said.

The Falmouth Board of Selectmen voted unanimously in 2009 to encourage Cape Wind to locate its maintenance and operations facility in town.

The Falmouth Chamber of Commerce hosted Cape Wind’s announcement and its President & CEO Jay Zavala said: “Today’s announcement by Chamber member Cape Wind of 50 new jobs in Falmouth is exciting, it further diversifies Falmouth’s economic base by getting into the offshore clean energy sector which is poised to see tremendous growth, this is just the beginning.“

Also speaking at the announcement, Falmouth Board of Selectmen Chairman Kevin Murphy said: “Bringing Cape Wind’s headquarters to Falmouth builds on the town’s strengths in marine science and engineering and it helps keep our harbor as a working waterfront.”

Cape Wind President Jim Gordon identified the factors that drew the company to Falmouth: “We found a good waterfront facility in a protected harbor in a town that is already on a world stage for excellence in marine science with its institutions in Woods Hole and town officials were very helpful, it was the perfect combination.”

The operations jobs will be well-paid and will be drawn primarily from the local workforce.

Admiral Richard Gurnon, President of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, welcomed the news of Cape Wind basing its operations on nearby Falmouth Harbor: “We have been coordinating with Cape Wind because we see this sector as a great new source of jobs for our graduates who have the perfect mix of technical and maritime skills to excel in this field. While our graduates take jobs all over the world it’s important they have some good local employment opportunities as well.”

A prior economic study by Global Insight forecasted that in addition to Cape Wind’s 50 direct operations and maintenance jobs there would be another 100 indirect and induced jobs created in the regional economy. The announcement about permanent operations jobs is distinct from the hundreds of jobs that will be created for project construction.

In addition to this jobs and economic development announcement, Cape Wind and Hy-Line Cruises of Hyannis last year announced a partnership to provide eco-tours out to the Cape Wind site.

Existing operations at East Marine will continue unchanged for this winter’s boat storage season and for summer operations of 2013. After that time Cape Wind expects to begin its interior renovations of the two buildings and its use of the site.

In addition to its own operations, Cape Wind expects to continue to operate some traditional marina functions at the site including boat slip rentals.

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Offshore WIND staff, August 24, 2012; Image: Cape Wind