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 will assess current and future emissions at four Maine ports and identify practical strategies to reduce pollution, convert port and shore equipment and infrastructure to electric power, and supply clean, reliable power to these ports’ operations.
The project will engage communities and explore how port electrification may shape Maine’s future workforce.
Project Update: Summer 2026
Stakeholder engagement is underway. Meetings and site visits were held in Spring 2026 in Portland, Eastport, Rockland, and Searsport to assess existing needs and infrastructure, and to explore how port electrification may shape Maine’s future workforce. Stakeholders provided valuable feedback that will help inform how shore power and port electrification can reduce air pollution and prepare Maine’s ports for a lower emissions future.
Engagement will continue through Fall 2026, culminating with public engagement in the port communities.
Progress is also continuing in other areas, including development of initial equipment lists, emissions inventories, and coordination with utilities on grid capacity studies.
Schedule
Please note this schedule is subject to change:
2026 - Feasibility study development, workforce planning, stakeholder/community engagement
- June-August: Continued stakeholder engagement
2027 - Feasibility study development, workforce planning
- November: Final Feasibility Study
- December: Annual update meeting
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 preliminary comments about the project scope. We encourage you to provide your email address on the Comment Form below so you can receive project updates.