New Bedford State Pier
Background
The New Bedford State Pier is located at the heart of New Bedford’s waterfront, providing a hub for marine commerce and passenger ferry activity across the eight-acre property. MassDevelopment strives to maximize the property’s utilization around activities that both support the property, and its local and regional context along with the broader economic development outcome that such a dynamic asset creates. With current uses including the ferries to the islands of Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Cuttyhunk; breakbulk cargo; commercial fishing berthing, offloading, and gear storage; marine refueling; related law enforcement; and serving as the home of the Commonwealth’s historic Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey, the property is diverse, well-utilized, and always open to new ideas.
Request for Proposals
In 2023, MassDevelopment solicited proposals from interested users of the New Bedford State Pier to identify future uses and redevelopment options for the property. Seven proposals were received in February 2024 and a public presentation of these concepts was made by each respondent in May 2024. MassDevelopment is working with Utile, Inc. to analyze the spatial requirements of the proposals and identify different options that will maximize the utilization of this important asset.
A recreational and commercial tourism facility for the anticipated growth of cruise ship dockings.
Passenger, freight, & other services to Cuttyhunk and a Bay Exploration Pavilion.
A seafood auction and loading facility and the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center.
Offshore wind offloading, laydown, and berthing and a Basic Technical Training (BTT) facility.
A "boat-to-table" seafood restaurant with 300 seats, two bars, and rooftop dining.
A center for marine industrial, cargo, berthing, and related activities, including for offshore wind.
Continued high-speed ferry service and a new full-kitchen cafe for on-the-go and sit-down fare.
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About MassDevelopment
MassDevelopment is the Commonwealth’s development finance agency and land bank. We are committed to achieving three goals: stimulating business, driving economic growth, and helping communities thrive across Massachusetts. Our team works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to deliver a wide variety of programs and services, such as loans, tax-exempt bonds, grants, real estate technical assistance, and more. During FY2024, MassDevelopment financed or managed 349 projects generating investment of more than $3.5 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 22,426 jobs and build or preserve 1,754 housing units.
Since 2017, MassDevelopment has managed and operated the New Bedford State Pier on behalf of the Commonwealth, which owns the pier through its Department of Conservation and Recreation. MassDevelopment continues to invest in this critical marine asset to ensure its continued production for the region, the Commonwealth, and marine industries. The pier (along with Jodrey State Fish Pier in Gloucester, which MassDevelopment has managed and operated on behalf of the Commonwealth since 1995) is staffed by maritime and real estate professionals to maximize their utilization.
More information, including pier specs, regulations, rules, and day rates, is available here.