Mack Point

The Mack Point Terminal has been in operation since 1905 and is an already developed industrial area. By reimagining its existing footprint, Sprague ensures a low-impact plan preserving all current operations, avoids habitat destruction at Sears Island, and leverages a facility with more than 20 years of wind component handling experience.

There are many advantages to Sprague’s lower impact plan including:

• Already Developed with Existing Infrastructure: Much of the Sprague property is in developed industrial areas, allowing for quicker refurbishment. Mack Point benefits from existing roads, utilities, and rail, reducing the need for additional infrastructure development.
  • The State has apparently modified its plan based on its May federal grant request to now include rail within the Sears Island site, Sprague already has an additional 10 acres of existing rail yard and track giving Sprague’s Mack Point Terminal 110 acres compared to the State’s plan for 100 acres. 
• Less Dredging: Reduces dredging by 85% from the original plan, while staying out of the federal channel.
• Dock Frontage: Increased vessel docking capability with more than 2,600 feet of combined dock frontage.
• Dedicated Base Launching Dock: Use of stability cradle, semi-submersible barge or Tug Dock, and dedicated base assembly area out of the flow of the rest of the facility.
• Separate Fit-Up Dock: Separated from the launch dock, decreasing conflicts when lifting blades; allows for use of large assembly cranes to move ultra-heavy components.
• Greatly Increased Docking Space: Provides more total dock face than Sears Island, with 1,600 feet dedicated to large vessels and foundations. It also offers up to 1,000 feet of dock space for smaller work boats and tugs.
• Bulk Dock: Doubles as an additional component receipt dock for components using a self-propelled motor transporter, allowing for relocation of liquid vessels to both sides of current bulk dock.
• Ready to Adjust to Wind Energy while Preserving Current Capacity: Preserves all current product capacity while accommodating offshore wind development via dedicated access, new storage facilities, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Habitat Preservation and Coexisting with Wildlife: Developing Mack Point would spare destruction of 100 acres of undisturbed natural habitat on and off Sears Island, which sequesters carbon. Sprague’s plan supports clean energy generation while coexisting with Gulf wildlife.
  • Building a wind port on Sears Island means more than 75 acres of upland forest will be cleared, graded, and compacted. It also means filling 25 acres of pristine Penobscot Bay to extend the shoreline where a previously protected ocean sand dune is located.
  • That estimate by the State does not include the additional impact from a new and greatly expanded approach road and rail bed to get to the facility. This seriously damages the island’s ecological, recreational, and economic value.
  • Re-developing Mack Point, which has thrived as an industrial site for more than a century, is a far better and less disruptive decision, and the state has previously stated that it meets the requirements for the port.
• Avoids Environmental Risks: Sprague’s plan avoids standing water, older tank farm areas, and open water wetlands.
• Cost-Effective and Quick: The total project cost for Mack Point is anticipated to be less than Sears Island due to significantly reduced dredging requirements and its already industrial nature, which minimizes the risk of delays in permitting. Moreover, Sprague’s infrastructure supports operational efficiency and a cost-effective approach that aligns with project timelines, making it a better option compared to Sears Island.

The State's claims about excessive dredging at Mack Point are based on a suboptimal Moffat & Nichols plan that fails to take advantage of existing water depth. Sprague's alternative released in 2023 takes advantage of those natural water depths and a repurposed already existing liquid vessel berth to reduce dredging by 85% compared to the State's Mack Point plan. This overall dredge is minor when compared to past and planned dredges in Maine.

No, the plan only involves removing tanks from the former US Jet fuel depot.  As part of the base realignment process the federal government was required to test and certify the land was clean before its sale.

The State's original plan for Mack Point was estimated to be marginally  more expensive than Sears Island with an assumption of over $60 million in dredging costs and some additional contingencies for the relocation of Sprague assets  Sprague had previously offered to fund it asset relocation and  that combined with Sprague's plan reducing dredging costs by 85%, should result in a significant savings in overall construction costs to make it much lower than either Moffat & Nichols plan. 

No, there will be no impact on Sprague's current business with the offshore wind facility. The plan preserves all existing capabilities and includes a dedicated gate to minimize operational conflicts.  The plan also results in the ability to receive larger sized liquid vessels on the bulk dock potentially reducing the State’s energy costs.

The railroad land does not need to be purchased or removed and New ‘domestic content’ tax credits make it advantageous to be able to receive components and supplies by rail increasing the need for the exiting rail infrastructure.

Sprague's design ensures operational efficiency with designated areas for each function, minimizing conflicts during construction, launch, or component reception.

Contrary to the State's claims, Sprague's plan promises lower upfront costs resulting in interest costs savings to the state assuming the state is required to issue revenue bonds.  These savings will significantly offset any lease fees paid to Sprague.

That’s not correct. Sprague's plan should face fewer permitting hurdles since most of the property is already in an industrial use.  This should also result in a shorter timeline for construction than the state plan.

Sprague's plan meets and exceeds original design parameters with:

• Increased Dock Frontage: More than 2,600 feet of combined dock frontage for enhanced vessel docking.
• Dedicated Launching Dock: Allows for stability cradle, barge, or tug dock use and a separate assembly area.
• Separate Fit-Up Dock: Which is separated from the launch dock, reduces conflicts, and accommodates large assembly crane use.
• Bulk Dock: An additional component receipt dock, allowing for larger vessels and potential cost savings on fuel shipments.

Sprague's extensive experience in the energy industry ensures that our alternative lower impact plan is backed by a deep understanding of energy logistics, technological advancements, and efficient handling practices, making it a better choice for sustainable energy projects.

Sprague believes there is no valid reason to disrupt the intact ecosystem of Sears Island when Mack Point offers a viable and superior solution for coastal Maine.

Sprague prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability in all of our projects which include:

• Prioritize Natural Resources: Sprague prioritizes the protection of natural resources and works to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
• Benefits of Wind Power: Sprague recognizes wind power as a reliable and clean energy source that can improve public health, protect wildlife, enhance energy security, and create local job opportunities.
• Responsible Development: Sprague strongly supports the safe and responsible development of offshore wind projects, ensuring that environmental considerations are central to our operations and initiatives

Sprague first advocated to the DOT for this alternative layout in the spring of 2023 and has only now released it more broadly because it has been unable to get it reviewed by the states contractor Moffat & Nichols.  The plan was shared with the steering group in the summer of 2023.

Sprague is urging the State of Maine to pause its decision until it has conducted a thorough analysis of the cost and impact of Sprague's alternative design compared to other proposals, specifically the Moffet & Nichols design.  It is of paramount importance that the State understand that there is a far better solution for Maine, and Sprague’s alternative lower impact plan aligns with the policies outlined by the Maine Climate Council, which prioritize:

• Minimal Disruption to Natural Systems
• Streamlined and Transparent Project Siting
• Minimization of Impacts on Natural and Working Lands

Through multiple levels of proactive outreach to the press, elected officials, community members and environmental groups, Sprague is encouraging Mainers to submit their feedback and have their voices heard before the June 21st deadline by sending an email to geo@maine.gov to have their opinions heard in order to help influence the state's evaluation of solicitation design plans and program objectives.

We encourage all Mainers to go to www. https://www.spragueenergy.com/mack-point to learn more about Sprague’s lower impact, floating ocean wind terminal plan, which includes an email contact form anyone can complete to submit questions to our team.