Project Overview

Welcome to the MaineDOT Clean Ports Planning Project. This statewide effort is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Ports Program. This planning project is fully focused on studying the outcomes of potential port electrification at four Maine ports - Portland, Searsport, Eastport, and Rockland - that see both cargo and cruise ship dockings. The project will result in a clear, actionable roadmap for port electrification in each of the four port communities. Stay informed as the project progresses, including upcoming meetings for public input.

Scope of Work

The project is developing a roadmap to reduce emissions and support clean energy infrastructure at four Maine ports. The study includes evaluating grid capacity and future power needs, emissions inventories and reduction strategies, electrification feasibility, stakeholder engagement, and workforce development. Through collaboration with port users, communities, utilities, and other stakeholders, the project will provide a roadmap for future clean port investments, helping Maine ports identify and prioritize projects that improve sustainability, resilience, energy reliability, and operational efficiency.

MaineDOT Clean Ports Program Fact Sheet (PDF)

Project updates

2026

Winter

MaineDOT and Jacobs Engineering Group executed the project contract and officially launched the project in January. Kickoff meetings were held with the project team and key partners, and the team began collecting and reviewing available data to identify information gaps and support the technical analyses.

Spring

Internal stakeholder meetings were held at each of the four study ports to better understand current operations, future plans, and available data. Following these meetings, MaineDOT and the Jacobs project team conducted site visits at each port to observe existing infrastructure, equipment, and operational conditions.

• Portland Stakeholder Meeting Presentation (PDF)

• Eastport Stakeholder Meeting Presentation (PDF)

• Rockland Stakeholder Meeting Presentation (PDF)

• Searsport Stakeholder Meeting Presentation (PDF)

Summer

The project team initiated emissions inventories for all four study ports to establish baseline emissions from port-related activities and equipment. Work also began on evaluating existing electrical infrastructure and future energy needs. Initial coordination meetings were held with utility providers, including Central Maine Power and Versant, to discuss grid capacity and infrastructure considerations. During this period, the project team also completed initial outreach meetings with identified stakeholders across each port community.

Fall

The project team continued development of emissions inventories for all four study ports and began evaluating emissions reduction opportunities, including electrification strategies and other clean energy solutions. Analyses of grid capacity and microgrid feasibility also progressed throughout the fall, including follow up meetings with the utilities.

Public meetings were held on October 14, 20, 21, and 22 within the port communities to share project information, gather feedback, and discuss opportunities and challenges related to port electrification. Details of these meetings can be found in the Public Meetings section. 

Public Meetings

Past Public Meetings

Below are the past public meeting dates, presentation materials, and public comments that were received. 

• October 14, 2026 – Portland
• October 20, 2026 – Eastport
• October 21, 2026 – Searsport
• October 22, 2026 – Rockland

Presentation Materials

• MaineDOT Public Meeting Presentation (PDF)

• Reducing Emissions and Exploring Port Upgrades (PDF)

• Grid Infrastructure and Microgrid Feasibility (PDF)

• Project Timeline (PDF)

• Stakeholder Engagement and Workforce Development (PDF)

Upcoming Public Meetings

Statewide Public Meeting

Tuesday December 1
6:00-8:00PM
The Chamberlain Room

330 Civic Center Drive 
Augusta, ME 04330

Schedule

This schedule is subject to change

2026 - Project kick-off, data gap analysis, grid infrastructure, emissions inventory, workforce planning, and stakeholder/community engagement. 

2027 - Emissions reduction strategies, feasibility study development, and workforce planning. 

• The final feasibility study & final public meeting will be at the end of 2027.

EPA Clean Ports Grant Program

The Clean Ports Planning Project is funded by a grant from the U.S. EPA Clean Ports Program awarded in late 2024. Learn more about the grant program on the US EPA Clean Ports Program website and access our grant documents on our Clean Ports Program Grants page

Leave a Comment

The project team is currently accepting comments about the project. We encourage you to provide your email address on the Comment Form below so you can receive project updates.