Final Draft Report Operations Management November 2008
FINAL DRAFT REPORT
Operations & Management Plan
Salem Wharf Project
City of Salem
Blaney Street
Salem, MA
November 2008
Presented by:
Bourne Consulting Engineering
Franklin, MA
In Association With:
Norris & Norris Assoc.
Cambridge, MA
ConsultEcon, Inc.
Cambridge, MA
Portscape
Lexington, MA
SALEM WHARF PROJECT
CITY OF SALEM NOVEMBER 2008
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Operations and Management Plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MARKETS & ESTIMATED REVENUE PROJECTIONS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. FACILITY DESIGN
3. IDENTIFICATION OF MARKETS
4. PASSENGER VESSELS
4.1. Passenger Ferry Operations
4.2. Excursion Vessels
4.3. Cruise Ships
4.4. Visiting Vessels
4.5. Transient Vessels
5. COMMERCIAL VESSELS
5.1. Offshore Supply Vessel
5.2. Other Commercial Vessels
5.3. Fishing/Lobster Vessels
6. UPLAND MARKETS AND OPPORTUNITES
6.1. Office/Storage
6.2. Meeting/Function Space
6.3. Parking
6.4. Public Area Concessions
6.5. Vessel Storage
7. REVENUE SUMMARY
7.1. Introduction
7.2. Passenger Vessels
7.3. Commercial Vessels
7.4. Upland Markets And Opportunities
7.5. Revenue Summary
SALEM WHARF PROJECT
CITY OF SALEM NOVEMBER 2008
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8. FACILITY OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
8.1. Introduction
8.2. Management Operation and Maintenance
8.3. Building Operation and Maintenance
8.4. Site Operation and Maintenance
8.5. Fixed Pier - 17,740 sf Operation and Maintenance
8.6. Floating Barges - 6,500 sf Operation and Maintenance
8.7. Commercial Fishing Floats - 10,425 sf Operation and Maintenance
8.8. Summary of Recommended Maintenance and Operation Cost Budgets
9. DISTRIBUTION OF USER CAPITAL COSTS
10. PROJECT PRO FORMA ANALYSIS
11. PROJECT SCHEDULE
12. MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE ISSUES
12.1. Management Needs
13. MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE EXAMPLES
13.1. Introduction
13.2. Oak Bluffs Marina
13.3. Wellfleet Town Marina
13.4. EDIC/Lynn
13.5. Fall River
13.6. Provincetown Public Pier Corporation
13.7. MASSPORT
13.8. Project Management Recommendations
14. MARKETING PLAN
14.1. Introduction and Overview
14.2. Passenger Vessels
14.3. Commercial Vessels
14.4. Upland Markets and Opportunities
14.5. Market Timing and Project Implementation
SALEM WHARF PROJECT
CITY OF SALEM NOVEMBER 2008
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15. SUMMARY
15.1. Purpose of Study
15.2. Final Plan and Construction Cost
15.3. Definition of Markets
15.4. Determination of Revenue
15.5. Operating and Maintenance Costs
15.6. Project Schedule
15.7. Management Structure
15.8. Marketing Plan
APPENDICES
APPENDIX I - Visiting Historic & Military Vessels
APPENDIX II - Marine Markets – Commercial Fishing/Lobster; Other Commercial Vessels;
Transient Vessels
APPENDIX III – Market for Office, Industrial and Warehouse Space in Salem and Peabody
SALEM WHARF PROJECT
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN
WITH
MARKETS & ESTIMATED REVENUE PROJECTIONS
1. INTRODUCTION
The City of Salem is seeking to establish a significant multi-purpose municipal port facility. At
this time, the City has selected a consultant team led by Bourne Consulting Engineering to
evaluate the market analysis and identify the revenues anticipated from the creation of the port
facility.
The challenge for the City of Salem will be the ability to maximize the potential of the existing
site while providing the flexibility of a multi-use facility. A key component will be the
balancing of the watersheet utilization with the landside support limitations. The existing upland
area of the site is limited in its ability to provide both parking and development area for
supporting structures and uses. The future ability to increase on-site parking will be a key
component for allowing future expansion of port activities and greater site utilization.
2. FACILITY DESIGN
The existing facility provides limited vessel berthing with a floating barge system that allows
for berthing both sides. The 100 foot long dock system provides ADA and MAAB accessibility
to the upland area. The current marine users include the seasonal Salem Ferry, occasional small
port of call cruise vessel visits and temporary berthing for an offshore LNG supply boat. The
upland area improvements are sparse but does include parking, bathroom (port-a-potty) and an
office trailer for the ferry operation. A narrow public pathway follows the waters edge and is
actively used by neighborhood residents.
The facility expansion program has been established and the proposed project is currently in the
regulatory approval process. The program is illustrated in the development plan in Exhibit 2-A .
Major vessel accommodations for the proposed port facility include the following:
Vessel Usage
Vessel Type Berthing Requirement Usage
Offshore Supply Vessel 130 ft berth at floating barge Home Port
Commercial Berthing up to 300 feet at pier face Day Use
Lobster Boats – 30 slips 40 foot at inner basin Year Round
Salem Ferry 120 ft berth at ADA barge Home Port
Coastal Cruise Vessels 250 ft berth at ADA Barge Day Use
Small/Medium Cruise Ships up to 400 ft at pier face Day Use
Medium Cruise Ships up to 800 ft Anchorage Day Use
Tenders to ADA barge Day Use
Visiting Vessels/Tall Ships up to 400 ft at pier face Day/Overnight
Excursion Vessels 120 ft berth at ADA Barge Live Berth
Water Taxi 50 ft berth Float at ADA Barge Live Berth
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Proposed Waterside Facilities
A fixed “L” shaped pier designed to accommodate trucks with adequate maneuvering room,
refueling and provisioning apron areas and space along the pier end to accommodate small coastal
cruise ships (250 feet in length) and visiting ships. The main pier leg is 32 feet wide and 250+/- feet
long. The pier “T” end varies in width from 20 to 50 feet and is 130 feet long. The pier is designed
to have a 10 ton mobile crane load capacity.
The float facility on the west side of the fixed pier will re-use the existing 130 foot long float in
order to accommodate the ferry Nathaniel Bowditch and small coastal cruise ships (185 feet in
length).
A series of new steel floating docks on the east side of the fixed pier will be used to accommodate
the LNG offshore supply boat, water taxis and excursion vessels.
Floats along the westerly side of the backland portion of the site will provide slips to accommodate
the lobster vessel fleet and other commercial fishing vessels.
Dredging of approximately 153,000 cubic yards in a 7.29 acre (317,585 square feet) area around the
site will create three basins with depths ranging from elevations - 10 feet to -26 feet at Mean Low
Water. The dredging of the most landward basin includes approximately 43,285 square feet of
intertidal area. This dredging is needed to create berthing for the local commercial fishing fleet and
other smaller draft vessels, and to allow floats to be placed closer to the shoreline.
Proposed Landside Facilities
Vehicular access to the site is from Derby Street via Blaney Street to a new loop road with a
passenger drop off area for ferry and cruise passengers suitable for auto, bus and trolley access.
The loop road and pier extension will also accommodate truck access to and from the site.
Parking spaces are provided for 146 vehicles.
Pedestrian access to/from Derby Street is via White Street connecting to internal pedestrian
circulation along a 12 foot wide pile supported Harborwalk.
The site will include new electrical and water service, a sewage pump-out line, refuse containers
and lighting.
A two story, 10,500 square foot Terminal Building will include facilities for passenger
waiting/ticketing; office and support space; and maintenance storage areas, as described in the
following Terminal Building Program.
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EXHIBIT 2-A Proposed Salem Wharf Development
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Terminal Building Program
3. IDENTIFICATION OF MARKETS
The potential markets for the site were evaluated including both commercial maritime and
public transportation supported uses. In addition, opportunities were identified for use of the
upland and the associated building. The primary markets were identified as follows:
Passenger Vessels: Including passenger ferry, cruise ships, excursion vessels, visiting
vessels and water taxis
Commercial Vessels: Including offshore supply vessel, marine construction vessels,
commercial berthing, lobster vessels and other fishing vessels
Office/Storage: Including office rental to offshore supply and ferry operations, possible
kiosks for excursion vessels, off-season building use including
functions and meetings.
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Upland Utilization: Opportunities for revenue including paid parking for peak periods, off-
season storage of vessels, off-season winter parking.
Support Opportunities: Related landside support revenue including fees for concessions, trolley
and pedicabs.
4. PASSENGER VESSELS
4.1. Passenger Ferry Operations
For purposes of this report, passenger ferry operations are defined as those transporting
passengers between two sites for either commuter transit or for tourism and recreational
purposes. Expansion of the passenger ferry services is expected to be strong for the
existing Salem Ferry, with several longer term opportunities to expand to other routes.
While there are similarities between the point to point passenger ferries and other
excursion services, they have been treated as separate markets because of anticipated
differences in operations and docking needs.
4.1.1 Salem – Boston Passenger Ferry
The City of Salem has invested in the purchase of a passenger vessel ferry that
provides seasonal service to Boston. Currently under agreement with a private
operator, the Salem Ferry has been a major success with strong ridership growth
since its beginning. This operation is seen as one of the cornerstones of the site
development.
The Salem Ferry is just starting its third year of service as a city owned vessel and
provides seasonal commuter and visitor service from the existing Salem Port pier to
Downtown Boston. The ferry operates seasonally from late May to early November.
At this time there is no additional ferry operations anticipated.
4.1.2 Other Potential Passenger Ferry Opportunities
There are several potential passenger ferry operations that might operate from
the new Salem Port include the following.
Salem – Provincetown (46 nm each way, 92 nm round trip): Potential sightseeing
Mass Bay trip to Provincetown and back; as a seasonal charter or weekly scheduled
excursion. Such a service might also offer a whale watch component, since an
expanded route through Stellwagen Bank is close to the direct route from Salem to
Provincetown. Such an operation would require a supply of overnight parking on or
nearby the sight.
Salem – Gloucester: (11 nm one way, 22 nm round trip): for seasonal visitors and
North Shore sightseeing. A potential scheduled loop to Gloucester could provide a
two way service during the peak visitor season, while also offering a short Cape
Ann tour. Partial vessel use of berths and delivery costs from remote berthing
would create operational challenges.
4.1.3 Passenger Ferry Market
The existing Salem Ferry has been operating for the last three years and has seen
substantial annual ridership growth and has been projected to be over 80,000
passengers for the 2008 operating season doubling the 2006 ridership. The level of
growth is anticipated to flatten out under normal economic conditions but could be
expected to exceed 100,000 by 2012, based on current schedule and capacity. The
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special Salem events in October leading up to Halloween, combined with fall
tourism combine to extend the ferry market season well beyond the summer
months.
Sustaining higher levels of annual market growth, however, may be difficult in the
near future due to current economic conditions limiting tourism growth, combined
with higher fuel costs resulting in higher fares, and inherent physical site
limitations. Both the tourism and commuter ridership is discretionary and overall
trends during the current economic downturn may influence ridership.numbers.
The current site poses operational limitations in terms of upland parking. While the
proposed reconstructed site will provide an enhanced visitor experience and a more
efficiently structured approach to parking and vessel support operations. However
there remains the issue of limited parking capacity until such time as new nearby
off site additions to the visitor parking supply are available.
Increasing ferry demand growth will also put strains on the existing single vessel
operation and fixed passenger capacity with, some current peak period trips
reaching the vessel’s maximum capacity. To achieve substantial growth in the
longer term, a second vessel may be required for peak period trips
4.1.4 Competitive Position
The proposed Salem Port Project is well situated to serve several market areas for
ferry use. The commuter ferry service to Boston is most likely to continue only as a
seasonal service complementing the year round commuter rail service which offers
more frequent scheduled trips. The two services are complementary in offering
different schedule intervals, and a choice of Salem and Boston departure/arrival
points. In Salem the rail station is more convenient for auto and bus connections,
while the ferry is more accessible by foot to historic waterfront tourist destinations.
In Boston, commuter rail at North Station connects to other MBTA lines (Orange
and Green), while the Central Wharf ferry landing is closer by foot to the
Downtown business district and waterfront tourist sites.
The Salem Ferry vessel ownership by the City and the City’s control of the
associated upland site are key elements to the success of the current ferry service.
The site is well positioned near a dense residential area and visitor destinations that
encourage a substantial portion of “walk-to-ferry” riders. Alternative competitive
locations within Salem are limited and do not have the upland drop-off or parking
support or such strong proximity to visitor attractions or residential areas.. These
factors would appear to be barriers to entry of competing landings or new ferry
services.
The primary market includes Boston to Salem and Salem to Boston discretionary
riders. A competing service is ultimately possible with operations into Pickering
Wharf /Salem Historical Maritime Park area but will likely restrict vessel size and
market access. Any up harbor docking locations would also require a slow passage
through no-wake mooring fields and would add to trip times Current ridership
demand is not sufficient to justify a competing service but as ridership grows and
capacity limits are reached expanded operations of the Salem Ferry would be the
most efficient way to meet new demand.
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4.1.5 Operating Procedures
The following are the primary operational processes and procedures that would be
undertaken at the Salem Port Project for the Salem Ferry and other scheduled
passenger vessel excursion and whale watch operations:
Embarkation and disembarkation of ferry passengers
Receipt of provisions as well as marine stores, fuel, and equipment –
particularly necessary for homeported vessels
Disposal of trash
Security services
Provision of parking and shuttle services for passengers
Routine vessel maintenance and repair
Dockside utilities including power, water and pumpout
The passenger vessels under consideration would likely operate with crews of 3 to 4
per vessel, with additional onshore ticketing and management required if a multiple
vessel fleet is established. Operating periods would tend to be seasonal from early
June through the end of October. Operating hours would be most intensive on
seasonal weekends with less weekday use, from mid morning into the evening.
Berthing and dockside management would most likely be done privately by the
resident Salem Ferry management, or by other homeported vessel operators. It is
anticipated that there will be a future need for both dedicated layover berthing slips
and managed short term berthing time slots for passenger loading and off-loading of
the vessel.
The proposed floating ferry dock is located on the west face of the Salem Pier
which will offer suitable berthing for passenger vessels with lower freeboards (4 to
6 feet), with direct links to the terminal and curbside access, via ADA and MAAB
compliant ramps and gangways. The floating docks would be shared between ferry,
excursion and small cruise vessels.
The floating dock on the east side of the fixed pier would be used primarily for the
offshore supply boat and other transient commercial vessels. Based on demand and
frequency of use by the primary vessel operations, the east side floats may also be
utilized for some limited passenger vessel berthing. Given the relatively high
frequency of passenger vessel calls at the pier (multiple times per day), it is likely
that a specific length of west side floating dock space during peak seasonal use
periods would be dedicated to transient passenger ferry (as opposed to Salem Ferry)
use (110 feet).
4.1.6 Infrastructure Needs
The essential capital equipment and resource needs for passenger vessel operations
include the following:
A new floating pier with removable boarding ramp designed to accommodate
all vessels with a low freeboard that would benefit from a fixed four to five foot
float – compliant with federal and state regulations requiring disabled persons
access for passenger ferry vessels.
An outdoor passenger waiting area and covered shelter adjacent to the floating
pier and convenient to the curbside auto and bus drop-off area
Parking would be required for ferries used by Salem area residents.
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Homeported ferry operations at the Salem Pier would require passenger
reception/waiting and ticketing facilities in the lobby space the terminal
building, also convenient to the curbside drop-off.
Equipment and temporary supply storage needs to be accommodated in a transit
shed.
Utilities for vessel including power, water, sewer pumpout and fueling.
Vessel accessibility for provisioning and removal and storage of trash.
Sufficient pier capabilities to allow for pier-side equipment transfers
to/from vessel (10 ton crane).
4.1.7 Liability Issues
Ferry liability and security needs are relatively minimal, and largely borne by the
operators. As with any public ferry system, the operators will be responsible for a
US Coast Guard approved security plan to address Homeland Security
requirements, to be coordinated with an approved public access facility security
plan for the docks. Personal injury or property damage/loss liability concerns for
passengers are also largely the responsibility of the vessel operators. ADA and
MAAB access l requirements will be provided as integral to the floating pier
design. Watersheet management guidelines would need to be established and
monitored by the City to assure vessel safety and appropriate use of shared fairways
between the new floating dock, Hawthorne Cove Marina and, Dominion Power
operations.
4.1.8 Projected Performance – Facility Revenue Generation
4.1.8.1 Market Size:
The primary market is for the existing Salem Ferry and vessel that is owned by the
City, currently leased and licensed to Water Transportation Alternatives, Inc. The
ferry is operative seasonally from late May to early November, with peak periods
during summer and October weekends. There are currently no other homeported
ferry services in Salem Harbor, and it is not projected that competitive operations
will be established in the near future. Ridership is expected to grow and top
100,000 riders per season during the next few seasons. A second vessel is likely to
be needed in several years for peak loading periods that are typically weekend and
holiday periods in high season.
Two factors in continuing growth of the Salem and passenger ferry markets will be
competitive fares and schedules adapted to changing demands.
The secondary market would be for future scheduled “other” passenger vessel
excursion and whale watch vessel operations. For all practical purposes, such routes
would most likely operate in conjunction with the next category of vessel use,
excursion and whale watch operations, offered by the same operators and using the
same vessels. In addition, based on the current dock and site plan parking, there will
not be enough berthing space for more than one additional homeported ferry vessel
Therefore this smaller market component has been incorporated in excursion /whale
watch vessel trip projections below in section 4.2.7.
4.1.8.2 Comparative Market Review: A comparative investigation of berthing
revenue similar vessel berthing operations was made. Direct comparison
of commercial berthing for ferry vessels was limited and comparison of
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other commercial vessels including excursion vessels was made that would
be the same size and need the same services. A summary of the findings are
as follows:
• Fall River State Pier
• Passenger Vessels - $225 / day - $900 / mo 100 ft vessel
• Cruise Vessels - $225 / day
• Medium size vessels $500 / day
• Boston – assuming 100 ft vessel
• Downtown #1 commuter - $33,000 /mth
• Downtown #2 commuter / excursion - $6,700 / mth –w/ upland
• Downtown #3 excursion - $3,000 / mth – 5 mth season
• Downtown #4 excursion - $5,500 / mth – 6 mth season
• Downtown #5 limited excursion - $4,500 / mth – 6 mth season
• Excursion - Several locations asking $35-40 /ft-mth
• Gloucester
• Casino - $60,000 / yr
• Whale Watch #1 - $14,000 / season plus $30 /mth/prk space
• Whale Watch #2 - $16,000 / season
- Historic Rate $24,000 /yr – 100 ft vessel
• Oak Bluffs Town Landing
• Passenger Vessel #1 - $225 / ft season
• Passenger Vessel #2 - $175 / ft season (more limited schedule)
• Large cruise vessels (>2000 people) - $3,000 / ship (12-15 /yr)
4.1.8.4 Recommended Dockage Rates
The Salem Ferry is not currently paying for berthing at the existing facility
due to the nature of the management contract with the City. The following
berth rates would be considered market rates for passenger ferry vessels:
Commercial ferries – assume 100 ft vessels
• Yearly Rate $3,500-$4,500 /mth
• Monthly Rate $4,000 - $6,000 /mth
• Daily Rate $ 500/day
These rates would escalate at an average of 5% per year. As proposed, the
longer the term of the lease, the lower the daily rate
4.2. Excursion Vessels
4.2.1. Excursion Vessels
Excursion ferries are those providing a recreational loop starting and ending at the
Salem port docks. The opportunities for new ands expanded excursion vessel
operations are anticipated to be high including charters, dinner boats and harbor
cruises. Ecotourism is also anticipated to grow as a future market segment with the
addition of whale watch and other coastal ecology tours.
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4.2.2. Excursion Vessel Market
Harbor Excursion and Charter Services:
Recently charter and special event excursion services have been offered in Salem
Harbor by Water Transportation Alternatives Inc., the operators of the Salem Ferry
with 8 provided during the 2007 season and more excursions planned for the 2008
season. Otherwise historically, there have been no regularly scheduled excursion
services from the Blaney Street facility. Based on conversations with several
operators, there appears to be a potential market for a variety of excursion and
charter services in the future including summer season tour, dinner and music
cruises incorporating a range of routes.
The general viability of such services is somewhat limited by several factors
including the local market catchment area, the somewhat exposed navigation
conditions outside the harbor, the preference for a homeported vessel in Salem (as
oppose to visiting vessels from other nearby ports), and the limited availability of
on-site parking, particularly on weekends and peak Salem Ferry periods..
Navigation conditions must also be considered for the waters outside Salem Harbor
and the type of vessel needed to operate comfortably in the normal range of sea
conditions during summer months. For such operations to be reliable in Salem on a
scheduled basis would require a stable, sea worthy (higher freeboard height) vessel
such as the Nathaniel Bowditch or other whale watch type vessels. Even with such
vessels, flexible itineraries would be needed that might on occasion be limited to
Salem harbor and protected areas inside the nearby islands in the event of higher
wave states in Mass Bay. Current Salem ferry operators have indicated that during
the May to November season, operating conditions have been predominantly
favorable for local excursion operations, with few days when sea conditions would
preclude scheduled trips.
Such navigation factors combined with sailing distances for visiting vessels from
ports such as Boston or Gloucester would suggest the need for a resident excursion
and multi-purpose ferry with good sea keeping characteristics and licensed for off-
shore operations.
Adequate parking needs to be available within a short walking distance of the
boarding location to support excursion or charter services, and the number and
capacity of the vessels may need to be matched to available parking supply.
Whale Watch and Ecotourism Services:
While many of the larger whale watch excursion vessels have been based in Boston
Harbor, successful whale watch ferries have operated from Cape Ann, as the
observation grounds are within an equal or slightly shorter sailing time. The Cape
Ann whale watch departures have been centered in Gloucester, with three operators
providing a variety of options. Salem Harbor is also well situated to capture a
share of the whale watch market north of Boston, being an equal water distance
from the observation areas. Salem is somewhat better located with respect to the
north and north western communities, with closer proximity to I-95 north and
further west with respect to Route 128.
The constraint in Salem has been availability of homeport or layover berthing and
ample parking combined with the lack of competing multiple operators clustered in
Gloucester and Boston Harbor. A positive development favoring all whale watch
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operations is the recent installation and maintenance of offshore sensor buoys that
are proving to be very accurate in tracking whale movements and making it easier
to know the favored locations for whale sightings. A negative factor for such
operations relates to current proposed federal rulemaking that would limit speed
and operations of all vessels including ferries in areas traversed by whales,
potentially increasing trip times.
Projecting potential ridership for whale watch operations is difficult without
assuming a displacement of portions of current Gloucester operations. One of the
larger operators, Yankee Fleet, has had to relocate to a temporary boarding, layover
site and parking location in Gloucester. At such time as dock and parking capacity
are available in Salem, it will be appropriate to consider the demand for additional
Cape Ann whale watch operations. At that time the issues regarding restrictions on
vessel operations near whale grounds, and the impacts of the sensor buoys on such
operations will be better known.
Other types of eco-tourism excursion demands may emerge on the north shore,
particularly related to educational charters. However, based on the current sea life
and state of the fishery in Massachusetts Bay, there would not appear to be any new
attractions other than general aquatic environmental awareness. As more
educational and ecotourism programs are offered at the Boston Harbor Islands,
connections to Georges and Spectacle Island may be worth reconsidering. In the
past when seasonal services from Salem to Georges Island were offered, the
ridership was insufficient to justify the added schedule travel time.
Other types of recreational, ecotourism and educational programs are also
somewhat limited. The Salem area waters are not particularly conducive to diving
because of the colder Mass Bay waters and generally murky conditions.
4.2.3. Competitive Position
The proposed Salem Port Project is well situated to serve several market areas for
excursion use. The excursion vessels would enjoy a location advantage on Cape
Ann and the north shore because of good access to routes 128 and I-95, as well as
proximity to many nearby north and northwest suburban communities.
Demographically, Salem supports a large catchment area for summer and shoulder
season users. Geographically, the attractions of Cape Ann and the North Shore are
all currently believed to be underserved by general excursion vessel services (with
the exception of the Gloucester whale watch fleet) The further potential for linking
with periodic visiting cruise vessels adds to the cumulative total market of potential
ferry and excursion vessel passengers.
4.2.4. Operating Procedures
The following are the primary operational processes and procedures that would be
undertaken at the Salem Port Project for other scheduled passenger vessel excursion
and whale watch operations:
Embarkation and disembarkation of excursion passengers
Receipt of provisions as well as marine stores, fuel, and equipment –
particularly necessary for homeported vessels
Disposal of trash
Security services
Provision of parking and shuttle services for passengers
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Routine vessel maintenance and repair
Dockside utilities including water, power and pumpout.
The smaller vessels under consideration (149 to 200 passengers) would operate
with crews of 3 to 4 per vessel, with additional onshore ticketing and management
required if a multiple vessel fleet is established. Operating periods would tend to be
seasonal from early June through the end of October. Operating hours would be
most intensive on seasonal weekends with some weekday use, from mid morning
into the evening.
Berthing management would most likely be done privately by the resident Salem
Pier management. In the event of multiple excursion and ferry uses combined with
dedicated space for small cruise vessels, it is anticipated that there will be a future
need for both dedicated layover berthing and a time managed short term berth for
passenger loading and off-loading of the vessels.
The proposed floating finger pier on the west face of the Salem Pier will offer
preferable boarding sites for small passenger vessels due to their lower freeboards,
and needs for direct terminal and curbside access, in addition to ADA compliant
ramp and gangways. The floating docks would likely need to be shared with the
ferry and small cruise vessels. That would require careful scheduling by the pier
management. Given the potential for multiple small passenger vessel calls at the
pier during peak periods, it is likely that a specified amount of floating dock space
would have to be dedicated solely to the existing Salem Ferry (110 feet), while a
homeported excursion or whale watch vessel (110 feet) would need to schedule
boarding times around the ferry arrival schedule during seasonal operations.
In terms of landside operations, substantial space for passenger drop-off and pick-
up for buses and autos as well as nearby parking would be needed for charter and
scheduled ferry operations. Excursion vessel operations can typically require large
amounts of parking – one parking space per two passengers is recommended. .
4.2.5. Infrastructure Needs
Since the Salem Ferry is owned by the City of Salem, it is assumed that the vessel
will continue to occupy one seasonal layover berth at the expanded pier, and have a
priority for a portion of the upland parking versus uses by excursion or other
passenger vessels. There is also likely to be a need for dock capacity for visiting,
charter and excursion vessels, when compatible with resident berthing patterns and
parking availability. However, if there is to be an additional seasonal resident
excursion and/or whale watch vessel, it is of interest to determine the threshold
market and operation conditions to support a second homeported ferry.
The key capital equipment and resource needs excursion and whale watch vessel
operations are similar to those described for the passenger ferries and include the
following:
A new floating pier with removable boarding ramp designed to accommodate a
range of vessels with lower freeboards from four to six feet.
Ramps and gangways need to be compliant with federal and state regulations
requiring disabled persons access for excursion vessels.
An outdoor passenger waiting area and covered shelter adjacent to the floating
pier and convenient to the curbside auto and bus drop-off area
Ample parking for ferries used by Salem area residents.
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Excursion passenger reception/waiting and ticketing facilities in the lobby
space the terminal building, also convenient to the curbside drop-off.
Equipment and temporary supply storage needs to be accommodated in a transit
shed for homeported vessels.
Utilities for vessel including power, water, sewer pumpout and fueling.
Vessel accessibility for provisioning and removal and storage of trash.
Sufficient pier capabilities to allow for pier-side equipment transfers to/from
vessel (10 ton crane).
4.2.6. Liability Issues
Excursion liability and security needs are relatively minimal, and largely borne by
the operators. As with any public ferry system, the operators will be responsible for
a US Coast Guard approved security plan, to be coordinated with an approved
public access facility security plan for the docks as the responsibility of the Salem
Pier as the landlord. Passenger personal injury or property damage/loss liability
concerns are largely the responsibility of the vessel operator. Legal requirements for
disabled person access will be provided as integral to the floating pier design.
Watersheet management guidelines would need to be established and monitored by
the City to assure vessel safety and appropriate use of shared fairways between the
new floating dock, Hawthorne Cove Marina and, to a limited degree, Dominion
Power operations.
4.2.7. Projected Performance – Facility Revenue Generation for Excursion/Whale Watch
Operations
Market Size: The primary market is for new excursion and whale watch
vessel operations. There are limited excursion operations at the Salem Pier
at present, but it is anticipated to grow with the establishment of the Salem
Port Project. Over time the market is likely to mature and expand
sufficiently to support a homeported excursion vessel berthed at the pier
during the summer fall season. For the basis of overall revenue prediction,
the following was assumed: As noted above, these projections include the
market for “other passenger vessels” in addition to projected excursion
/whale watch trips.
2010 Day Dock Rate: 12 vessel trips/season
2015 Day Dock Rate: 18 vessel trips/season
2020 Day Dock Rate (6 months): 24 vessel trips/season
Annual Dock Rate 1 homeported vessel
2025 Day Dock Rate (6 months): 24 vessel trips/season
Annual Dock Rate 1 homeported vessel
There are no other identified year round commercial excursion berthing
markets at this time and there is no history for demand for year round
berthing.
4.2.7.1. Comparative Market Review: An investigation of comparable
commercial vessel berthing operations was made. Direct comparison of
commercial berthing for excursions vessels was made by looking at
similar port sites that would be of comparable size and need the same
services. A summary of the findings are as follows:
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• Fall River State Pier
• Passenger Vessels - $225 / day - $900 / mo 100 ft vessel
• Cruise Vessels - $225 / day
• Medium size vessels $500 / day
• Boston – assuming 100 ft vessel
• Downtown #1 commuter - $33,000 /mth
• Downtown #2 commuter / excursion - $6,700 / mth –w/ upland
• Downtown #3 excursion - $3,000 / mth – 5 mth season
• Downtown #4 excursion - $5,500 / mth – 6 mth season
• Downtown #5 limited excursion - $4,500 / mth – 6 mth season
• Excursion - Several locations asking $35-40 /ft-mth
• Gloucester
• Casino - $60,000 / yr
• Whale Watch #1 - $14,000 / season plus $30 /mth/prk space
• Whale Watch #2 - $16,000 / season
- Historic Rate $24,000 /yr – 100 ft vessel
• Oak Bluffs Town Landing
• Passenger Vessel #1 - $225 / ft season
• Passenger Vessel #2 - $175 / ft season (more limited schedule)
• Large off-shore anchored cruise vessels (>2000 people) - $3,000 /
ship (12-15 /yr)
4.2.7.2. Recommended Revenue
After evaluating comparable alternative commercial berthing rates for
excursion vessels, it is recommended that the following rates be considered
for the facility:
Excursion – assume 100 ft vessels
• Yearly Rate $3,500-$4,500 /mth
• Monthly Rate $4,000 - $6,000 /mth
• Day Rate $ 500/day
These rates are assumed to increase annually at about 5% per year. It is
also recognized that the rates for a vessel which utilizes the facility year
round may need to be less than for vessels that only operate a portion of
the year or only during the peak season.
4.3. Cruise Ships
Salem currently has several small coastal cruise visits scheduled for 2008. The interim
landing facility at Blaney Street can accommodate vessels in the 100 to 200 foot range for
short term port of call visits, sharing the landing with the Salem Ferry and the offshore
supply vessel. An independent berthing dolphin does exist on the west side that allows for
tying up the larger vessels.
At such time as the fixed pier and new landings are built as currently planned, the dock
facilities will be much better able to accommodate somewhat larger coastal cruise
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operations on a more frequent basis. The new dock facility is designed to provide
dockside berthing and terminal facilities for smaller coastal cruise ships, while also being
able to handle mid sized cruise vessels anchored offshore by means of transfer ferries or
lighters that would bring 150 to 200 passengers ashore per trip.
Two types of seasonal cruise visit are common at smaller New England ports similar in
size and historic character to Salem, as described in the recently completed report,
Historic Ports of Massachusetts, prepared by Ketchen Associates for the Massachusetts
Seaport Advisory Council (completed in October, 2007). Port-of-Call cruise operations
are those which visit a port as part of a cruise itinerary, but do not take on or off-load
passengers. Homeported cruise operations are those which use a particular port as an
embarkation and disembarkation base for passengers at the beginning and end of such an
itinerary.
4.3.1. Port-of-Call Cruise Operations:
The primary cruise business activities to be conducted at the Salem Pier for future
cruise ship operations would include the following needs for port-of-call vessels:
Dockside berthing of cruise vessels up to 300 feet during a port visit.
Landing availability for lighters (ferry shuttles) for medium and larger
cruise ships of approximately 1,200 to 2,400 feet anchored off-shore
depending on the draft required.
Watering, fuelling, waste removal, incidental supplies, and incidental
maintenance and repair services for a cruise vessel berthed at the Salem
Pier.
Dockside terminal and covered waiting area with curbside bus, trolley and
cab access.
Provision of landside transportation including shuttle bus operations for
cruise vessel passengers embarking on a cruise from the Salem Pier
Limited emergency repairs administered by mobile equipment.
4.3.2. Homeported Cruise Operations: The primary cruise business activities to be
conducted at the Salem Pier for future homeport cruise ship operations would
include the following services and facilities for vessels:
Dockside berthing of cruise vessels up to 300 feet during a port visit on a
“homeport” basis (as the initial and final port on a cruise such that cruise
passengers embark and disembark the vessel in Salem).
Watering, fuelling, storing, provisioning and providing general
maintenance and repair services to a cruise vessel berthed at the Salem Pier
– this activity would likely to be much more significant for any vessel
homeported at the Salem Pier then a visiting or Port-of Call vessel.
Booking, ticketing, receiving, embarking, and disembarking cruise
passengers to/from a vessel berthed at the Salem Pier for homeported
vessels.
Providing baggage services for cruise vessel passengers – primarily for
homeported vessels
Providing landside transportation including parking, car parking services
and shuttle bus operations for cruise vessel passengers embarking on a
cruise from the Salem Pier.
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Dock side terminal including passenger waiting, processing, baggage
handling and ancillary amenities.
Dockside cruise ship operations offices, crew handling, storage, ships
services and customs (for International arrivals)
Dock and pier facilities needed for dockside berthed port-of-call and homeported
ship visits would be similar, providing for safe and efficient passenger handling and
service needs. The homeported vessels, however, would require adequate apron
area for more extensive baggage and supply handling as well as more extensive
servicing.
Dockside facilities for offshore anchored port-of-call vessels would require berthing
for lighters or ferries for incremental boarding of groups up to 250 passengers,
including ADA and MAAB access from landing floats to terminal. Any light
servicing would need to be conducted from the fixed or floating docks.
Landside facilities for the two types of visit would be similar but more demanding
for Homeported vessels. The port-of call vessels would be able to share terminal
facilities and curbside transportation with the Salem ferry and other excursion
vessels. Passengers would be rapidly transferred to landside transportation or
directed on foot to nearby Salem attractions. Homeported vessels would require a
larger terminal facility to handle the embarkation and disembarkation needs of
passengers as well as the administrative needs of the ship operators.
4.3.3. Cruise Ship Market
The New England/Eastern Canada cruise market is highly seasonal with vessels
being deployed on itineraries calling at northeast U.S. and Canadian ports only
between May and October. Typically, vessels relocate to warmer locales such as the
Caribbean during the New England winter months. There are two major segments
to the New England/Eastern Canada cruise market:
Large cruise vessels that are generally longer than 600 feet and carry
passenger complements of over 1,000. All of these vessels operating in the
New England market are of foreign registry and must incorporate foreign
ports of call within a cruise itinerary (e.g. Canada or Bermuda).
Smaller cruise vessels of around 150 to 250 feet in length that generally
have berths for approximately 100 to 200 passengers. Such ships are
typically of U.S. registry and may serve U.S. ports of call exclusively.
These are generally known as coastal cruises.
The large vessel segment of the New England/Eastern Canada cruise market is
composed of such major lines as Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Holland
America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean.
Typically, these vessels are homeported at either New York or Boston in order to
have close access to the cities’ major airports as well as large-scale tourist facilities
that can cater to passenger contingents of over a thousand persons at a time. While
it may be possible to attract some of these medium sized vessels for port of call
visits, the Salem terminal will have a maximum berth potential of approximately
300 feet, and will not be able to service larger cruise ships dockside. Boston’s
expanding cruise terminal with excellent airport access should continue to be the
dominant homeport, with some cruise visits being absorbed by the recently
completed Ocean Gateway in Portland, Maine. The opportunity to attract these
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vessels will likely be associated with occasional callings associated with the large
cruise vessel relocation and seasonal movements.
The New England small cruise vessel segment is comprised of four to five major
operators: American Cruise Line (four vessels operating out of Providence RI and
Bangor ME); Pearl Seas Cruises (one vessel departing out of Portland, ME);
American Canadian Caribbean Line (two vessels operating out of Warren RI);
Cruise West (one vessel, Spirit of Nantucket) formerly operated out of Quebec City,
Boston, and New York but does not have any vessels in the Northeast at this time;
and the modern cruise schooner Arabella (one vessel operating out of Newport RI).
While the number of passengers per small cruise vessel at approximately 100 or
less and considerably smaller than the 1,000 plus passenger capacities of the large
cruise vessel segment, it should be noted that the small cruise passenger tends to
spend more time ashore in communities where the vessels call.. The itineraries
generally include short overnight trips between coastal ports, with day long
layovers. Passengers on the smaller coastal cruise vessels often dine ashore.
According to findings in the recent “Historic Ports of Massachusetts” report, the
coastal cruise passengers are on average more affluent than their large cruise
counterparts and spend considerably more per person in the ports of call on goods
and services
4.3.4. Competitive Positioning
Passenger cruise ship operators have used the new interim Salem Pier on an
intermittent basis in recent years. During the summer of 2008, two cruise visits
were scheduled for July and August as part of a Cruise New England itinerary of
the American Canadian Caribbean Line. The vessels expected are 183 feet in
length and carry a maximum of 100 passengers. Other cruise lines have small U.S.
flag vessels of 210 feet length overall (LOA) or less that typically carries around
100 passengers on coastal cruises during the months of May to October. Another
emerging niche in small cruise industry is the increasing number of purpose-built
motor/sail vessels, such as the Arabella, a three masted schooner, or other historic
tall ship replicas that have staterooms and are licensed to carry passengers, such as
the Stad Amsterdam, which visited Boston for 5 days in April of 2008. Factors that
impact the competitive position of the future Salem Pier as a port of call for coastal
and medium sized cruise vessels include the following:
The site is well suited for domestic coastal or “boutique” cruise operations
(up to 200 passenger vessels of under 250’ LOA). Such vessels may use
Salem Pier on a port-of-call basis during the May to October season.
Salem presents an attractive historic port cruise destination for smaller and
medium sized vessels due to its walking distance proximity to many
historic attractions, architectural heritage, and destination museums such as
the House of the Seven Gables, Salem Port National Heritage Area, and
recently expanded Peabody Museum.
Larger vessels (up to 1000 passengers / up to 700’ LOA) are less likely to
be regular visitors and more likely to call at shoulder seasons (in May and
October) when re-positioning between New England and Caribbean
Larger non-U.S. flag vessels need to incorporate Canadian and/or Bermuda
calls in typical weekly itineraries out of Boston or New York that makes
diversion to Fall River unattractive due to time and distance constraints.
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Homporting for smaller sized vessels requires considerable backland
support for parking, passenger handling and servicing, which is currently is
problematic owing to the small footprint of the Blaney Street site. At such
time as the site is expanded for parking and other homeport support needs,
Salem may offer port services as a homeport for coastal cruise ships.
For medium cruise vessels, dockside berthing is also a prerequisite which is
difficult to justify at the Salem Pier for occasional re-positioning visits. In
addition to available dockside berthing, the immediate access of medium
and larger cruise vessels to major airports is also a key factor in homeport
siting. Both factors are far better filled by the Black Falcon Terminal in
Boston
Gloucester, Newburyport, Provincetown, and Portsmouth, NH are the
competing nearby coastal cruise historic port destinations. However; they
also provide the advantage of short cruise distance destinations from Salem
for the Cape Ann/Massachusetts Bay itineraries of the cruise lines that have
emerged during the past few years.
The expansion of the Salem Pier as a cruise destination with the new fixed pier and
expanded floating docks to serve the low freeboard coastal vessels will help attract
more regularly scheduled summer season visits. The availability of an anchorage
area near the outer harbor entrance, and availability of lighter docking should help
attract the occasional mid–sized cruise vessels in shoulder seasons without over
extending the shore side facilities. The new shared terminal center and curbside
transportation should significantly improve its competitiveness with other New
England ports as a port of call for both small and medium cruise vessels.
4.3.5. Operating Procedures
The following are the main operational processes and procedures that would be
undertaken at the Salem Pier for passenger cruise ship operations. It is assumed
that the operations will be limited to port-of-call visits, based on current limitations
of upland space at the Blaney Street site, and the current terminal building program
and accommodations:
Embarkation and disembarkation of port-of-call cruise passengers;.
Visitor information, curbside transit access and hospitality services.
Berth for lighters to off load anchored medium sized cruise vessels
Receipt of incidental passenger and crew provisions and stores as well as
marine equipment, fuel, power, and water.
Disposal of trash
Security services
Shore excursion links – buses would pick up and drop off passengers at the
curbside adjacent to the terminal building.
Emergency and incidental vessel maintenance and repair.
The coastal cruise vessels would berth directly at the south end of the fixed pier, or
alongside the western floating berth, depending on the boarding deck freeboard
height. For the smaller vessels, the 5 foot freeboard float would work well for a
gangway to the lower deck. Sailing cruise vessels such as the Arabella might berth
either at the float or fixed pier depending on freeboard height and tide.
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Occasional calls by medium sized cruise vessels during the New England shoulder
seasons would need to be accommodated at a designated anchorage location in the
outer harbor, with passenger transfers by lighter to the transient excursion berth at
the Salem Pier.
Cruise vessels would need to have direct access to the terminal building and
curbside area for excursion bus transfer as well as pedestrian access to downtown
Salem and other nearby excursion destinations such as the House of the Seven
Gables. Trucks delivering foodstuffs and marine stores as well as fuel by truck to
cruise vessels will need to be able to park alongside the vessels on the wharf apron
of the fixed pier.
In the long term, if coastal cruise vessels were to be homeported at the Salem Pier
they would require more extensive facilities for vessel servicing on the pier, as well
as passenger reception, ticketing facilities and baggage services in an expanded
terminal building. Cruise vessel berth space would need to be reserved for more
frequent visits and turnarounds. In addition, off-site parking would need to be
provided for passengers, crew, and shoreside cruise line employees. Given the
limitations of the current Blaney Street site, such expansion plans are not
anticipated at this time, and would need to be revisited at such time as appropriate
new contiguous parcels of land might become available.
4.3.6. Capital Equipment and Resource Needs
The key capital equipment and resource needs for cruise vessel operations include
the following:
Suitable berthing space for small cruise ships such as the west floating dock
and south face of the fixed pier,
Partial use of the transient floating dock for passenger lighters for the
occasional medium sized anchored vessel calls.
Passenger reception and waiting facilities to be shared with Salem Ferry
and excursion ferry operations on the ground floor of the terminal building.
Shore excursion and shuttle bus parking area.
Pedestrian access to downtown and nearby visitor attractions
As all of these facilities will be shared with other uses, the capital costs are prorated
based on the assumed number of coastal and medium sized cruise visits per year.
4.3.7. Liability Issues
While the relatively small number of coastal cruise vessel visits and movement of
hundreds of cruise passengers on an annual basis through the Salem Pier cruise
terminal facilities could create the potential risk of personal injury claims and
environmental damage from vessel incidents, it is anticipated that the scale of
operations is far more manageable than those encountered at a large cruise terminal
with homeported vessels such as Black Falcon in Boston. Most of the liability for
such claims would be borne by the cruise vessel operators but there is some risk of
the Salem Pier becoming involved in potential litigation due to its landlord status.
Occasional conflicts between maritime supply boat operations with passenger
vessel and passenger foot traffic will be a concern for both safety and security
reasons, but is seen to be manageable with the pier and site layout.
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4.3.8. Projected Performance – Facility Revenue Generation
Market Size: The primary market is for occasional visits between May and October.
There is no identified year round commercial market for coastal cruise vessels at
this time
The concern for meeting the demand of this cruise ship market will be the
establishment of a competitive market rate that is competitive with nearby ports,
and encourages and retains such usage as well as provides the needed upland
support facilities. This would include providing terminal and pier side amenities as
may be required.
The market size for ship visits and development of revenue projections was based
on the following:
Year: 2010 Coastal Cruise Ships 4 vessels
2015 Coastal Cruise Ships 16 vessels
Medium Cruise Ship 1 vessel
2020 Coastal Cruise Ships 24 vessels
Medium Cruise Ship 2 vessels
2025 Coastal Cruise Ships 24 vessels
Medium Cruise Ship 3 vessels
4.3.9. Comparative Market Review: An investigation of comparable cruise ship berthing
operations was made. Direct comparisons of commercial berthing for cruise ships
were found to be limited and therefore a comparison of other commercial vessels of
similar size and services needs was included. A summary of the findings are as
follows:
• Fall River State Pier
• Passenger Vessels - $225 / day - $900 / mo 100 ft vessel
• Coastal Cruise Vessels - $225 / day
• Medium size vessels $500 / day
• Boston – assuming 100 ft vessel
• Downtown #1 commuter - $33,000 /mth
• Downtown #2 commuter / excursion - $6,700 / mth –w/ upland
• Downtown #3 excursion - $3,000 / mth – 5 mth season
• Downtown #4 excursion - $5,500 / mth – 6 mth season
• Downtown #5 limited excursion - $4,500 / mth – 6 mth season
• Excursion - Several locations asking $35-40 /ft-mth
• Gloucester
• Casino - $60,000 / yr
• Whale Watch #1 - $14,000 / season plus $30 /mth/prk space
• Whale Watch #2 - $16,000 / season
- Historic Rate $24,000 /yr – 100 ft vessel
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• Oak Bluffs Town Landing
• Passenger Vessel #1 - $225 / ft season
• Passenger Vessel #2 - $175 / ft season (more limited schedule)
• Large cruise vessels (>2000 people) - $3,000 / ship (12-15 /yr)
• Salem –
• Coastal Cruise Vessel $500 / ship
4.3.10. Recommended Revenue
Currently the offshore supply vessel is paying $2,000 per month at the Salem pier
utilizing the current facility infrastructure with no office or fixed pier and limited
other services. When considering alternative commercial berthing rates, it is
recommended that the following rates be considered for the facility:
Coastal Cruise Vessels
• Daily Rate $ 500 - $1,000 /ship
Medium Cruise Ships
• Daily Rate $2,000 - 3,000 /ship
These rates are assumed to increase with time at about 5% per year. the peak
season.
4.4. Visiting Vessels
Hosting visiting vessels, especially if part of a schooner race or Tall Ships festival, can be
a spectacular event, attracting a diverse crowd that might not otherwise come to a port,
and bringing positive publicity to the port and host community. Direct revenues from the
vessels are not generated for a port or city by these events. In fact there may be costs.
Revenues can be made by associated activities; establishing an area for vendors and
charging for licenses to participate is one example. Area retail shops, restaurants,
museums, and other activities may benefit economically from the influx of people.
4.4.1. Historic Vessels and Tall Ships
Historic and non-naval military vessels are owned or supported by a variety of
organizations – governmental, non-profit, educational, and commercial, which must
be contacted individually about a possible visit. There are many Web sites that list
visiting vessels and the information that communities will need to know to
determine the feasibility of a visit to their port (see Appendix B). There are also
organizations, such as the American Sail Training Association (ASTA), which, in
addition to marketing their member vessels through such means as maintaining a
list of the vessels on its Web site, also provides other services with regard to vessel
visits.
In the case of ASTA, the information its Web site (http://tallships.sailtraining.org)
provides on member vessels includes their support organizations and the Web sites
for these support organizations. These member Web sites, in turn, generally
provide detailed information on vessel dimensions, their season schedules, and their
homeport. Such service is part of and supports ASTA’s broader mission, which, in
its own words, is to organize races and rallies to bring together sail training ships
and crews with communities throughout North America. Each year ASTA
organizes race events in a series of ports along a given coast – Atlantic or Pacific.
Two years in advance of a race, ASTA will contract with each participating port; for
each such port, per its contract, it will help in permitting, securing Coast Guard
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services, and promoting the event; it will also serve as contact for vessels which
wish to participate. Vessels typically sign on for a whole series. Ports may use the
help of such an association in coordinating a race or other event of visiting vessels.
Like ASTA’s use of races, communities and vessel support organizations frequently
invite visiting vessels as part of an event, whether a race, Tall Ships or other type of
maritime festival. Vessels visiting for an event in one port may also visit nearby
ports; for example, two vessels which participated in Tall Ships Rhode® Island
2007 in Newport made visits in Boston Harbor during the same period. There is
often coordination among organizations:
This points’ up the importance to a port community, which is interested in hosting a
visiting vessel event, of checking the schedules of visiting ships before contacting
them to determine their availability and possible opportunities to coordinate with
visits they may be making in its area. The American Sail Training Association’s
(ASTA) next Atlantic Coast races and other events (collectively known as the Tall
Ships Atlantic Challenge® Race) is in 2009 as is the next major tall ships event
organized by Sail Boston Inc. that takes place in Boston Harbor (July 8-13; 2009;
see http://www. sailboston.com/index.html).
4.4.2. Military Vessels
Destroyers, frigates, cruisers, and amphibious vessels of the U.S. or a foreign Navy
are available to make calls at communities. Arranging a visit of a naval vessel is a
relatively simpler process than arranging for a visit of an historic vessel or military
vessel that is owned by an organization other than a navy. All requests for visits are
made to one party, the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk
VA, and there is one source representing the Commander and coordinating naval
vessel visits in the Massachusetts area; currently this latter is Scott Cavanaugh.
According to Mr. Cavanaugh, requests for a visit must come from the key official(s)
of a community and must be made in writing. Every attempt is made to honor
requests – the example of community requests from the state of Maine this past
year was cited, of which five out of six were honored -- but a positive response will
depend on the world situation. Multiple requests per year may be made, as they
have been, for example, by the City of Gloucester, which hosts ship events twice a
year, and these usually (though not always) have been approved. Visits can be made
at any time of year if a vessel will be docked pier-side; if the visiting vessel is to be
anchored in a harbor, visits must take place in the summer. A community dictates
the duration of the stay. There is neither a charge for a vessel visit nor for tours of a
visiting vessel. Community sites must be of sufficient size to accommodate the
visiting vessel; while navy vessels have an average length of 700 F and their drafts
range from 36-39 F, there are smaller vessels requiring lesser draft. See Appendix
for available visiting navy and other military vessels less than 300 F long and 20 F
in draft that could be accommodated at the Salem Port Expansion project site.
Provisioning of the vessel is handled by the ship agent.
As a security measure, a pier where the naval vessel is to be docked will be swept
for bombs prior to a vessel’s visit; a community may be asked to have their local
police provide for the protection of the swept site until the ship arrives. Arranging a
call of a military vessel not under the jurisdiction of a navy (U.S. or foreign) is
covered below along with historic vessels. Prospective sites are now assessed more
carefully in light of evolving homeland security prerequisites. Safety zones around
pier berth may be required and can impede navigation locally.
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4.4.3. Port Responsibilities and Visiting Vessel Costs and Earnings
Some historic vessels may be happy to come and have no fee. Others may charge
from $2000 - 10,000 for a visit to a port. To defray these and other maritime event
costs, Ports often seek sponsors.
While open houses on vessels at no cost are said to be normal, vessels may charge
admission, unless a port pays a vessel for a visit. Even when not charging for tours,
vessels may charge for taking passengers out for a casual sail or allowing guests
onboard during a race. They may also sell memorabilia or rent its space for use for
receptions at the end of a day, as is frequently done, and retain the earnings from
these activities. Sponsors of receptions are responsible for covering the costs of
catering as well as rent.
Ports are responsible for providing for pilotage, if needed, utilities, pumpouts,
certified waste disposal that is required for foreign vessels, and security. These
services may be provided by the host
4.4.4. Competitive Position
The proposed Salem Port Project is well situated to attract visiting vessels with its
unique historical history and visitor attractions including the House of the Seven
Gables, the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem National Marine Heritage Area and the
Witch Museum.
Demographically, Salem supports a large catchment area for summer and shoulder
season users. The potential for linking periodic visiting cruise vessels with ferry and
excursion vessel passengers adds to the cumulative total market potential.
4.4.5. Operating Procedures
The following are the primary operational processes and procedures that would be
undertaken at the Salem Port Project for other scheduled passenger vessel excursion
and whale watch operations:
Embarkation and disembarkation of passengers – limited numbers
Receipt of provisions as well as marine stores, fuel, and equipment –
particularly necessary for homeported vessels
Disposal of trash
Security services
Dockside utilities including water, power and pumpout.
Berthing management would most likely be done privately by the resident Salem
Pier management. In the event of multiple visiting, excursion and ferry vessels
combined with dedicated space for small cruise vessels, it is anticipated that there
will be a future need for both dedicated layover berthing and managed short term
berth for passenger loading and off-loading of the vessels.
The proposed accessible floating pier on the west face of the Salem Pier will offer
preferable berthing sites for the smaller visiting vessels due to their lower
freeboards, while the “t” end of the pier would be suitable for the larger vessels (up
to 300 feet).. However, it should be noted that the outshore face is more likely to be
available for day or multi-day visits, sine it is less likely to conflict with other
scheduled ferry, excursion and supply boat berthing needs. The floating docks
would likely need to be shared with the ferry and small cruise vessels. That would
require careful scheduling by the pier management.
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4.4.6. Infrastructure Needs
Visiting vessels will need to operate around existing facilities uses. Since the Salem
Ferry is owned by the City of Salem, it is assumed that the vessel will continue to
occupy one seasonal layover berth at the expanded pier, and have a priority for a
portion of the upland parking versus uses by excursion or other passenger vessels.
The key capital equipment and resource needs for passenger vessel operations
include the following:
For smaller vessels, a floating pier with removable boarding ramp designed to
accommodate all vessels with a low freeboard that would benefit from a fixed
four to five foot draft float – compliant with federal and state regulations
requiring disabled persons access for excursion vessels. This would be
consistent with passenger ferry and excursion vessel operational needs.
Pier side utilities and support services to provide provisioning as may be
required. This would be consistent with proposed ferry and excursion vessel
requirements.
Parking availability on site or near the site for public visitation events.
Visitor access pathways to allow the public to gain access.
4.4.7. Liability Issues
Liability and security needs are relatively minimal, and largely borne by the
operators. As with any vessel, the operators will be responsible for a US Coast
Guard approved security plan, if required, to be coordinated with an approved
public access facility security plan for the docks as the responsibility of the Salem
Pier as the landlord. Passenger personal injury or property damage/loss liability
concerns are largely the responsibility of the vessel operator. Legal requirements for
disabled person’s access will be provided as integral to the floating pier design.
Watersheet management guidelines would need to be established and monitored by
the City to assure vessel safety and appropriate use of shared fairways between the
new floating dock, Hawthorne Cove Marina and, to a limited degree, Dominion
Power operations.
4.4.8. Projected Performance – Facility Revenue Generation
As indicated above, there is generally not an opportunity for direct revenue
generation from visiting vessels, and in some cases costs may be incurred. Although
military vessels do not charge, other vessels including tall ships and historic vessels
may have a fee associated with port calls.
4.5. Transient Vessels
4.5.1. Description of the Business
The transient vessel market under this section is typically one of convenience and
opportunity and represents a specific market that the City should seek out as it
represents users that require minimal upland support. These users may or may not
be commercial maritime users but would be a revenue opportunity for the City
using the infrastructure in place with would require no additional investment.
In the long term, the space for non-commercial transient berthing may become
restricted due to other commercial maritime use demands on the facility. Given that
the project is in a Designated Port Area, commercial uses will have priority over
non-commercial uses.
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4.5.2. Competitive Positioning
The market being served is one of convenience and opportunity but also the ability
to accommodate the vessel sizes seeking these services. It is anticipated that the
facility should seek to limit services to the large yacht and mega-yacht markets
which can not be accommodated with slips at the private marinas in the area. As
such, the port facility will be the primary site within Salem Sound for this market.
4.5.3. Operating Procedures
Operating procedures would be similar to other commercial users. The upland
demands for parking and other services will be limited. It is anticipated that these
users would require power, water, sewer pumpout, fuel and provisioning. The use
would be seasonal and anticipated to be limited to the May to October time frame.
The location for berthing would be based on opportunity but could include the inner
embayment area not being used by lobster vessels which is anticipated to be several
hundred feet of berthing. The outshore face of the fixed pier would also be available
the mega-yachts that may be over 100 feet in length.
Potential users would coordinate usage with the facility manager in terms of
reservations and scheduling.
4.5.4. Capital Infrastructure and Resource Needs
No additional infrastructure or resources would be developed due to the
infrastructure already in place.
4.5.5. Liability issues
Liability issues would be the same as for the passenger vessels identified above.
4.5.6. Projected Performance – Facility Revenue Generation
Market Size
The market size is limited and the ability to predict actual usage should not be
counted on to provide significant revenue. For the basis of overall revenue
prediction, the following was assumed based on a typical 100 vessel length:
Year: 2010 40 days
2015 60 days
2020 80 days
2025 100 days
4.5.7. Comparative Market Review – Transient Berthing
The market is current growing and there is a lack of facilities to handle 100 foot
plus yachts. The ability to provide this service to yachts allows an alternative
destination to these users who are typically not cost sensitive. The size of the
vessels results in their upland needs for services to be limited to water, sewer, and
power and not typically for showers, laundry facilities, etc. As such, this would be
ideal for this marine facility. An operator in Boston was able to achieve over a
$100,000 in revenue last year providing this type of service. Typical rates found
include the following
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Marina Operator: $3.50 - $4.00 /ft per night
Plus services ($45/day typ)
Hinckley Yachts, Portsmouth, RI: $4.75 /ft per night
$60 / ft per month
Includes services
Typical for smaller vessels (<65 feet)
Tucker’s Wharf, Marblehead, MA $3.50 /ft per day with elec.
Pickering Wharf, Salem , MA $150 /ft per month
Hawthorne Cove Marina, Salem, MA $2.00 /ft per day
Beverly Harbor Center, MA $2.00 /ft per day
4.5.8. Recommended Revenue
When considering the alternative yacht transient berthing rates, it is recommended
that the following rates be considered for the facility and would not include any
services:
Transient Vessels – assume 100 ft vessel length
• Daily Rate $ 400 /day ($4.00/ft)
• Monthly Rate $ 60 to $100 / ft per month
Vessel services are presumed to be in addition to the above and would be equal to
the cost of such services for the purposes of this analysis.
These rates are assumed to increase with time at about 5% per year. It is also
recognized that the rates for a vessel which utilizes the facility year round may want
to be less vessels that only operate a portion of the year and only during the peak
season.
5. COMMERCIAL VESSELS
5.1. Offshore Supply Vessel
5.1.1. Description of the Business
Currently an offshore LNG mooring exists for the discharge of natural gas into the
New England natural gas distribution system. An element of that facility, known as
the Northeast Gateway Project, is the supporting offshore supply vessel that is
required to be on standby throughout the period of vessel mooring. This vessel,
along with its supporting services to the LNG vessel, requires a base of operations
with upland support for transfer of crews, equipment and provisions.
5.1.2. Competitive Positioning
The proposed Salem Port Project is well situated to commercial vessels due to its
size and amenities. The opportunity to provide year round berthing to the existing
offshore supply vessel is a major benefit to the facility’s overall operation. The
ability to retain this market will be based on negotiation and maintaining
competitive rates and services.
The benefit for the Salem Port Project is its location and the providing of a
protected berth with the necessary upland support services. However, it should be
noted that similar services could be found in Boston, Gloucester and, to some
degree, Lynn. These alternate sites are not as desirable in terms of distance for LNG
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mooring site, level of storm protection and/or level of shore side amenities but
could be alternatives if vessel berthing rates are not competitive.
Other commercial users are anticipated to be irregular and not predictable and
would consist of such things as layover berthing, material or product transfers
(marine contractors) or vessel maintenance requiring heavy equipment replacement
with pier-side crane capabilities.
5.1.3. Operating Procedures
The following are the primary operational processes and procedures that would be
undertaken at the Salem Port Project for commercial vessel operations:
Embarkation and disembarkation of crews
Receipt of provisions as well as marine equipment, stores, fuel, and
equipment
Disposal of trash
Security services
Provision of parking and shuttle services for personnel and crews
Routine vessel maintenance and repair
Dockside utilities including power, water and pumpout
The vessels under consideration would likely operate with crews of 3 per vessel,
with additional management of 3 to 5 people. Operating periods would to be year
round but with higher activity levels seasonally in fall through the winter due to
greater frequency of ship visits. Operating hours would be 24 hours per day during
LNG activity at offshore mooring.
Berthing management would most likely be done privately by the resident Salem
Port Project management. It is anticipated that there will be a future need for both
dedicated layover berthing and managed short term berthing for other commercial
vessels.
The proposed floating pier is located on the east face of the Salem Pier which will
offer a preferable berthing location for commercial vessels due to their lower
freeboards, with the needed direct terminal access. This allows for a separation of
passenger vessel activities from the commercial vessel operations.
The floating dock on the west side of the fixed pier, although used primarily for the
passenger vessel activities, may also be utilized for some commercial vessel
berthing, particularly during the late fall, winter and spring seasons..
5.1.4. Infrastructure and Resource Needs
The key capital infrastructure and resource needs for commercial vessel operations
include the following:
A new floating pier with removable boarding ramp designed to accommodate
all vessels with a low freeboard that would benefit from a fixed four foot float.
An associated office and storage area adjacent to the floating pier.
Limited area for parking to support office and vessel activities
Equipment and supply storage needs could be accommodated.
Utilities for the vessel including power, water, sewer pumpout and fueling
access
Vessel accessibility for provisioning and removal and storage of trash
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Sufficient pier capabilities to allow for pier-side equipment/material transfers
to/from vessel (10 ton crane)
5.1.5. Liability issues
Vessel liability and security needs are relatively minimal, and largely borne by the
operators. As with any commercial operation, the operators will be responsible for
a US Coast Guard approved security plan, to be coordinated with an approved
public access facility security plan for the docks. Personal injury or property
damage/loss liability concerns are largely the responsibility of the commercial
vessel operations. Watersheet management guidelines would need to be established
and monitored by the City to assure vessel safety and appropriate use of shared
fairways between the new floating dock, Hawthorne Cove Marina and, to a limited
degree, Dominion Power operations. Any potential conflicts between passenger
ferry and commercial vessel operations will need to be monitored and managed by
the Salem Port management entity
5.1.6. Projected Performance – Facility Revenue Generation
Market Size: The primary market is the existing offshore supply vessel that is
supporting the offshore LNG mooring. At this time it is understood that a vessel
must stay on-station at all times during product transfers as well as the availability
of a backup vessel in a nearby port. There are no other identified year round
commercial berthing markets at this time and there is no history for demand for
year round berthing.
The concern for meeting the demand of this market will be the establishment of
competitive market rates for land and waterside facilities that retains this current
usage as well as provision of appropriate facilities to support this usage. This would
include the dedicated berthing space: the upland office space, material storage,
parking; and pier side amenities are including the ability of vessel loading by crane.
5.1.7. Comparative Market Review: An investigation of comparable commercial vessel
berthing operations was made. Direct comparison of commercial berthing for
offshore supply vessels was limited and comparison of other commercial vessels
was made that would be the same size and need the same services. A summary of
the findings are as follows:
• MA Marine Contractor #1- $500 /day
• MA Marine Contractor #2 - $300-$500 /day
• Portland, ME -
• Transient - $1.50/ft-day ($150 /day for 100 ft vessel)
• Pier face $1,000 - $2,000 /mth – 100 ft vessel
• New Bedford State Pier –
• < 100 ft - $100 /day; > 100 ft - $150 /day
• > 200 ft - $600 /day
• Has Wharfage charges
• Utilities – Water min $50 / $1.50 /ton / Elec - $150 /day
• Fall River State Pier –
• $5.50 per foot per month
• Salem – Offshore Supply Vessel - $2,000 /mth
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• Oak Bluffs – Mail Boat - $8,000 /yr – no layover
• Fall River State Pier
• Passenger Vessels - $225 / day - $900 / mo 100 ft vessel
• Cruise Vessels - $225 / day
• Medium size vessels $500 / day
• Boston – assuming 100 ft vessel
• Downtown #1 commuter - $33,000 /mth
• Downtown #2 commuter / excursion - $6,700 / mth –w/ upland
• Downtown #3 excursion - $3,000 / mth – 5 mth season
• Downtown #4 excursion - $5,500 / mth – 6 mth season
• Downtown #5 limited excursion - $4,500 / mth – 6 mth season
• Excursion - Several locations asking $35-40 /ft-mth
• Gloucester
• Casino - $60,000 / yr
• Whale Watch #1 - $14,000 / season plus $30 /mth/prk space
• Whale Watch #2 - $16,000 / season
- Historic Rate $24,000 /yr – 100 ft vessel
• Oak Bluffs Town Landing
• Passenger Vessel #1 - $225 / ft season
• Passenger Vessel #2 - $175 / ft season (more limited schedule)
• Large cruise vessels (>2000 people) - $3,000 / ship (12-15 /yr)
5.1.8. Recommended Revenue
Currently the offshore vessel is paying $2000 per month based on the current
facility infrastructure with no office or fixed pier and limited other services. When
considering alternative commercial berthing rates and potential competing uses at
the Salem Pier, it is recommended that the following rates be considered for the
facility:
Commercial – assume 100 ft vessels
• Yearly Rate $3,000-$4,000 /mth
• Monthly Rate $4,000 - $6,000 /mth
• Daily Rate $ 500/day
These rates are assumed to increase with time at about 5% per year. It is also
recognized that the rates for a vessel which utilizes the facility year round may want
to be less vessels that only operate a portion of the year and only during the peak
season.
5.2. Other Commercial Vessels
5.2.1. Description of the Business
The market under this section is typically one of convenience and opportunity and
does not represent a specific business or operation that the City should seek out.
However, where future opportunities for offshore supply vessel berthing becomes
apparent to support offshore operations whether LNG moorings, wind farms,
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marine construction support or other maritime uses that are year round, the City
should aggressively market the Salem Port Project.
Other markets may be marine construction projects including offshore buried
utilities including gas and power lines that need substantial landside support.
5.2.2. Competitive Positioning
The market being served is one of convenience and opportunity which would
include marine contractors and other commercial vessel operators that need shore
side support on a limited, as available basis.
5.2.3. Operating Procedures
Operating procedures would be the same as for the offshore supply vessel as
indicated above with a heavier emphasis on use of the south pier face for transfer of
equipment, and secondary use of available floating berths for smaller vessels.
5.2.4. Capital Infrastructure and Resource Needs
No additional infrastructure or resources would be developed due to the small
market size, and availability of dock space.
5.2.5. Liability issues
Liability issues would be the same as for the offshore supply vessel identified
above.
5.2.6. Projected Performance – Facility Revenue Generation
Market Size
The market size is limited and the ability to predict actual usage should not be
counted on to provide significant revenue. For the basis of overall revenue
prediction, the following was assumed:
Year: 2010 Day Rate: 2 vessels
2015 Day Rate: 10 vessels
2020 Day Rate: 18 vessels
Annual 1 vessel
2025 Day Rate: 24 vessels
Annual 1 vessel
5.2.7. Comparative Market Review
The market review is the same as presented for the offshore supply vessel as
presented above.
5.2.8. Recommended Revenue
When considering alternative commercial berthing rates, it is recommended that the
following rates be considered for the facility:
Commercial – assume 100 ft vessels
• Yearly Rate $3,000 - $4,000 /mth
• Monthly Rate $4,000 - $6,000 /mth
• Daily Rate $ 500/day
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These rates are assumed to increase with time at about 5% per year. It is also
recognized that the rates for a vessel which utilizes the facility year round may want
to be less vessels that only operate a portion of the year and only during the peak
season.
5.3. Fishing/Lobster Vessels
5.3.1. Description of the Business
Commercial lobster fishing is Massachusetts’ most economically significant fishery
conducted within state waters. Massachusetts’ landings of lobster from all waters,
territorial and non-territorial, at 10.9 million pounds, was valued at $52.4 million
dollars in 2006, 11% higher than 2005, making the state the second leading
producer in the country, after Maine. Maine and Massachusetts combined produced
90% of US landings.
Within Massachusetts, Essex County, in which Salem is located, retained its
position in 2005 as first in the state in number of pounds of lobster landed and in
number of active fisherman.
In Salem Sound and the North Shore area, there is a shortage of year-round
commercial fishing dockage space that is of a good price and safe in terms of
protection from winter storms
5.3.2. Competitive Positioning
In Salem, itself, there are two facilities that have permanent berthing space for
commercial fishing vessels, Winter Island, which is public, and Pickering Wharf
Marina, which is private. At Winter Island, there is a pier, but it is unused for
permanent berthing because of exposure to winter storms. At Pickering Wharf
Marina, there is space buffered from winter storms; the space includes a 500-F
wharf, 10 slips at 39 F each (accommodating boats on two sides), and 3 docks with
a total length of 130 F. Slots are allocated on a 1st-come, 1st -serve basis. Fees for
the summer are $150/F/6-months (May –October) and $51/F for the winter 6-
months November through April. With this rate structure, pleasure craft generally
fill the facility in the summer season, though one lobster vessel used the facility this
past summer. Generally six+/- lobster vessels use it in the winter season; currently
there are 11 lobster vessels at the facility.
The Dock Master believes that demand for commercial lobster dockage is stronger
than the supply, but could not say whether any requests for dockage at his facility in
the winter season had not been met. He said the facility is generally full year-round
though in the winter, there are fewer vessels, as larger pleasure craft tend to use the
facility at this time of year; commercial sight-seeing vessels also use the facility.
Other than Hawthorne Cove, which does not accommodate commercial vessels,
Winter Island is the only facility in Salem with available mooring space with good
access and depths; however, weather exposure is an issue in this location; moorings
here are a flat $500/yr and services are good. There are currently two lobster boats
moored at Winter Island.
With regard to potential new commercial lobster fishing space, a dredging project is
proposed at an existing pier elsewhere in Salem in the vicinity of the new Beverly-
Salem Bridge. The project is for a private facility that would accommodate 4-6
lobster vessels and would provide protection for these vessels from winter storms.
The status of the project is unknown, but there are significant obstacles to it going
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forward, including conflict with existing plans for a park for the neighborhood. The
existing park plans represent mitigation for the bridge construction project and
would require City Council approval to change; there is also neighborhood
objection to the change.
Nearby Marblehead has no slips; moorings have weather exposure and the wait at
12-15 years is long; however, commercial vessels of residents may be given
preference, and dockage fees are quite low at $3.50/F/yr, less than those for
recreational boats; services include a conveyor for loading and off-loading lobster
catch at the State St. Landing. According to Harbor Master’s office records, dated
12/2007, there were mooring permits for 29 lobster boats in Marblehead. In the
winter, some vessels are taken out of the water, some relocate to Gloucester,
Beverly, and Pickering Wharf in Salem.
Beverly, the leading producer in lobster landings in Salem Sound and among the top
ten statewide in all of the criteria ranked by the Massachusetts Division of Marine
Fisheries has what is considered by some the premium public commercial berthing
space for the area at the public Beverly Harbor Center (BHC). Its fees and services
reflect those of the Jodrey State Pier in Gloucester, which the Facilities Manager for
the Harbor Center considered the model in the area for commercial dockage.
Gloucester, as previously noted, is the top lobster producer in the state. Dockage
fees for commercial vessels at BHC are $76/F/yr. Dockage is protected from winter
storms. Services include a hoist for loading/unloading, electricity, fuel and bait
delivery, but no haul-out or launch. The facility has 17 commercial slip spaces;
while one is currently available; there is a waiting list of 6-10, demand is said to
have been less in the past.
5.3.3. Operating Procedures
The following are the primary operational processes and procedures that would be
undertaken at the Salem Port Project for commercial vessel operations:
Embarkation and disembarkation of lobstermen and product
Receipt of provisions including bait as well as marine equipment, stores,
fuel, and equipment
Disposal of trash
Provision of parking for crews
Routine vessel maintenance and repair
Dockside utilities including power, water and pumpout
The vessels under consideration would likely operate with crew of 2 per vessel.
Operating periods would be year-round but with generally higher activity
seasonally in summer and fall. Operating hours would typically be early morning
to early afternoon.
Berthing management would most likely be done privately by the resident Salem
Port Project management. Berthing assignments are anticipated to be by first-come
first-served with a priority to Salem based lobstermen. It is anticipated that the
number of protected berths will be less than the total available and result in some
loss of vessels during the winter season. The proposed floating docks would be
located within the embayment which would provide for the protective year round
berth. The pier face would be available for short term berthing and for transfer of
heavy gear by crane of jib-boom.
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5.3.4. Infrastructure and Resource Needs
The key capital infrastructure and resource needs for commercial fishing vessel
operations include the following:
A new floating dock system pier with direct access to landside for equipment
and product transfer
Berth siting to provide year round protection from storms
Limited area for daily parking
Utilities for vessels including power, water and sewer pumpout
Vessel accessibility for provisioning and removal and storage of trash
Equipment and supply storage needs could be accommodated seasonally in fall
winter spring
Sufficient pier capabilities to allow for pier-side equipment/material transfers
to/from vessel
5.3.5. Liability issues
Vessel liability and security needs are relatively minimal, and largely borne by the
operators. As with any commercial operation, the operators will be responsible for
a US Coast Guard as to vessel certifications.
Personal injury or property damage/loss liability concerns are largely the
responsibility of the commercial vessel operations. Watersheet management
guidelines would need to be established and monitored by the City to assure vessel
safety and appropriate use of shared fairways between the new floating dock,
Hawthorne Cove Marina and, to a limited degree, Dominion Power operations.
5.3.6. Projected Performance – Facility Revenue Generation
Market Size: Based on the research performed, there is a strong market potential for
year round lobster vessel berthing with an anticipated market of 20 plus vessels
provided that fees are competitive and that the berths are fully protected from
winter storms. The preferred alternative provides for approximately 17 protected
berths
The concern for meeting the demand of this market will be the upland constraints
that the project site has and the limited year round parking and other support that a
full commercial fishing vessel berthing operation should have. These services
would typically include such things as bait storage, product handling, pier side
support area, seasonal trap storage and sufficient area for parking and truck loading
area. These amenities may be obtainable in the future if adjacent lend ever becomes
available but sufficient land area is not available at the present time.
5.3.7. Comparative Market Review: An investigation of comparable lobster vessel
berthing operations was made and a summary of the findings are as follows:
• Salem
• Pickering Wharf -
• Summer - $150 /ft
• Winter - $51/ft
• Winter Island
• Summer - $500 /yr (not suitable during winter)
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• Marblehead
• Marblehead Harbor Mooring - $3.50 /ft (not suitable during
winter)
• Beverly
• Beverly Harbor Center - $76 /ft for year
• Gloucester
• Jodrey Pier - $79.20 /ft for year
• Winthrop
• Town Commercial Dock (new) $85.00 /ft
5.3.8. Recommended Revenue
Currently lobster vessels are paying as much as $200/ft per year when considering
both winter and summer berthing. Based on a review of these, it is recommended
that the following rates be considered for the facility:
• Winter: $50.00 /ft 17 slips – limit of safe berths
• Summer $75.00 /ft 8 slips – limit due to parking
These rates are assumed to increase with time at about 5% per year.
6. UPLAND MARKETS AND OPPORTUNITES
6.1. Office/Storage
6.1.1. Description of the Business
The city intends to have a terminal building associated with the Salem Port project
that would provide public restrooms, ticketing and a protected waiting area. In
addition to these functions, the City seeks to provide office and storage space, for
lease, to the offshore supply vessel, Salem Ferry and excursion vessels to help
offset the cost and operation of the building. In addition there may be some limited
off-season opportunities for leasing of the public waiting area as a function space.
The waiting area might also be made available in the off-season for community
meetings that probably would not produce any income.
6.1.2. Competitive Positioning
The unique location of the office and storage to the marine facility provides a strong
competitive position over other potential sites. The ability of the vessel operator to
have a physical presence at the site to view the vessel(s) directly as well as the
comings and goings of vessel activity is a significant benefit that can not be
matched
6.1.3. Operating Procedures
The following are the primary operational processes and procedures that would be
undertaken at the Salem Port Project for office and storage operations:
Normal office operations including phone/data/high speed internet access
Direct visual access to pier for monitoring vessel and conditions
Ticketing for ferry and excursion vessels
Secure area for money handling and management
Crew swapping for LNG vessel
Receipt of provisions as well as marine equipment, stores and equipment
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Storage and transfer of heavy items by fork lift or small crane (10 ton)
Parking for office personnel
Waiting area for crews
6.1.4. Infrastructure and Resource Needs
The key capital infrastructure and resource needs for office and storage building
include the following:
Protected public waiting area
Public restrooms
Water, sewer and power for building requirements
Elevator for second floor access to meet ADA requirements
Separate office and storage area from public area
Trash dumpster suitable for all site users
Parking for office personnel
6.1.5. Liability issues
Office and storage liability and security needs are relatively minimal and largely
borne by the operators. The building public areas will need to have personal injury
and property damage/loss insurance to protect the City from claims.
6.1.6. Projected Performance – Facility Revenue Generation
Market Size: The market size will be limited to the space negotiated the water
dependant commercial users seeking office and storage space. The limited upland
will restrict the total office and storage areas to those that can be incorporated into
the proposed 10,000 square foot building and also provide public restrooms and an
inside, weather protected, terminal waiting area. Based on interviews with the
offshore supply vessel and Salem ferry operators, the following has been identified
as the desirable office and storage areas:
Office Storage
Offshore Supply Vessel 2,700 sf 2,000 sf
Salem Ferry 750 sf 1,000 sf
Function Space 1,500 sf
6.1.7. Comparative Market Review
An assessment of office and storage space for rent/lease was made in the Salem and
Peabody market area. Exhibit 6-1 provides a summary of the investigation and was
used as the basis for determination of what would be considered as market rates.
Typical rates for office space would be between $13 and $18 per square foot with
about $3.00 per square foot attributed to taxes. Storage space was found to be more
variable with rates between $4 and $16 per square foot, however there is a good
demand for space in the 1,000 to 2,000 square foot range and the rates are typically
$10 to $12 per square foot. Factors needing to be included in final rate
determinations is common area maintenance fees associated with building and the
site as well as factors associated with tax and insurance increases (if applicable).
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EXHIBIT 6-1 Comparative Market Review
Address City/Town
Space Available
(in square feet)Type of Space Lease Rate Lease Type Listed by
Industrial and Warehouse Space
119R Foster Street Peabody 6,000 Creative/Loft $5.00 Carney & Company
58 Pulaski Street Peabody 1,000 Industrial/Warehouse $7.50 RCG
58 Pulaski Street Peabody 4,000 Industrial/Warehouse $4.50 RCG
58 Pulaski Street Peabody 11,000 Industrial/Warehouse $10.00 RCG
58 Pulaski Street Peabody 1,000 Industrial/Warehouse $4.50 RCG
Summit Industrial Park (Summit Street) Peabody 30,000 Industrial/Warehouse $6.00 True Associates
63 Grove Street Salem 15,000 Warehouse $6.95 Modified Net The Drumlin Group
Office Space
2 Front Street Salem 1,420 Office $13.01 Goldberg Properties Management
214 Derby Street Salem 1,100 Office $13.09 Tennant pays utilities The Drumlin Group
125 Washington Street Salem 300 to 3,500 Office $16.00 Gross (incl. utilities) The Drumlin Group
76 Lafayette Street Salem 275 Office $13.75 Gross (incl. utilities taxes) RCG
77 Lafayette Street Salem 1,000 Office $14.40 Gross (incl. utilities taxes) RCG
78 Lafayette Street Salem 1,650 Office $14.55 Gross (incl. utilities taxes) RCG
209 Essex Street Salem 6,500 Office $15.00 Tennant pays utilities The Drumlin Group
84 Newbury Street Peabody 36,000 Office Class A $15.00 Associated Brokerage Group
39 Cross Street Peabody 1,061 Medical/Office $18.00 Hillcrest Properties
83 Pine Street Peabody 10,750 Office/Institutional $8.00 The Drumlin Group
Shetland Park
Shetland Park - Office Salem 300 to 20,000 Office $14.00 to $17.00 Modified Gross Shetland Properties
Shetland Park - Industrial Salem 300 to 200,000 Industrial $9.00 to $16.00 Modified Gross Shetland Properties
Shetland Park - Warehouse Salem 300 to 200,000 Warehouse Starts at $4.00 Modified Gross Shetland Properties
Source: LoopNet.com, Shetland Properties, The Drumlin Group, and ConsultEcon, Inc.
6.1.8. Recommended Revenue
Based on the investigation and review of office and storage markets rates, it is
recommended that the following rates be considered.
Office Space $15.00
Storage Space $10.00
6.2. Meeting/Function Space
6.2.1. Description of the Business
The nature of this business is provide use of the 1,200 square foot public area
within the terminal building for off-season usage as a meeting or function space
which would provide revenue for offsetting the maintenance costs of the building
through the winter period. It is estimated that the space would comfortably
accommodate up to 150 people standing or auditorium seated, or 100 people seated
at tables.
6.2.2. Competitive Positioning
The site represents a unique experience on the waterfront with great views of the
outer harbor which does not exist elsewhere in Salem. Its relatively small size
would limit group size but could provide an intimate space for small groups.
6.2.3. Operating Procedures
In order to take advantage of this revenue opportunity, the City would need to allow
or provide the following:
A defined period where events could be booked and take place.
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A support or warming kitchen area for food preparation/setup for a caterer.
Stored tables and chairs may be desirable if meetings are a common
occurrence. Functions could provide their own setup.
A program for scheduling events and managing events
6.2.4. Infrastructure and Resource Needs
Limited infrastructure is required and the only addition need would be the
establishment of a area that could be utilized for function preparation by a caterer.
This may be space vacated by the seasonal ferry operation but would need to
include a kitchen area with amenities that are more then otherwise needed for the
terminal building.
6.2.5. Liability issues
No additional liability exposure is anticipated for the City.
6.2.6. Projected Performance – Facility Revenue Generation
Market Size: At this time it is unclear how large the market would be for functions
in the future terminal building. The market would be limited to the off-season and
run from November to May to prevent its conflict with normal facility operations in
the rest of the year.
6.2.7. Comparative Market Review
No comparable market review has been performed at this time for this type of
usage.
6.2.8. Recommended Revenue
It is believed that the market revenue for functions in general can be lucrative but
having a sufficient size area for these functions are key to booking. It is
recommended that the following rates be considered for general public and for non-
profit organizations:
General $800/event
Non-Profit $400/event
6.2.9. Projected Functions
Year: 2010 General Rate: 4 events
Non-Profit Rate 4 events
2015 General Rate: 6 events
Non-Profit Rate 6 events
2020 General Rate: 8 events
Non-Profit Rate 8 events
2025 General Rate: 12 events
Non-Profit Rate 12 events
6.3. Parking
6.3.1. Description of the Business
The project site has the opportunity to obtain revenue by charging parking during
the peak operational periods including weekends from June through November and
week days from the first of July until Labor Day. During the off season a portion
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of the area near the terminal building could be reserved for public use and an area
near the lobster slips could be retained for the fishermen.
6.3.2. Competitive Positioning
It is believed that at peak periods there would still be insufficient parking for all
users. Through a combination of reserved parking for terminal tenants and
fishermen and charging for transient users, the limited supply can be managed and
avoid peak season use by incidental vehicles. A small area of public parking near
White Street could be reserved for general public parking during off peak hours to
allow for neighborhood recreational use of the site. An issues that will need to be
addressed includes fees for parking associated with daily commuters to Boston,
which may need to be folded into the ticket price.
6.3.3. Operating Procedures
In order to take advantage of this revenue opportunity, the City would need to allow
or provide the following:
A kiosk to monitor traffic and parking within project site
Manning or automation of the parking kiosk during identified periods for
charging for parking
Ability to provide passes to employees associated with facility tenants
Identification of who will manage the parking will be required. It could be a
site tenant or the City.
6.3.4. Infrastructure and Resource Needs
Limited infrastructure is anticipated to be required and the only addition need
would be the establishment of a kiosk and/or automated ticketing gates to monitor
parking and payments. Kiosk/gates will need power and data connections.
Moveable control barriers may need to be considered to secure parking areas.
Identification of methods to minimize operation and management costs need to be
considered including utilization of an MBTA style payment system.
6.3.5. Liability issues
No additional liability exposure is anticipated for the City.
6.3.6. Projected Performance – Facility Revenue Generation
Market Size: The market size is limited to the area that could be utilized for paid
parking on-site. Parking for tenant use will like consume 20 or more spaces and the
spaces available for paid parking would be approximately 125.
The number of days that parking would be charge would be as follows:
Weekends (June – October): 40 days
Weekdays (July – August) 40 days
6.3.7. Comparative Market Review: Comparative prices for providing parking in the City
of Salem include:
Museum Place Garage $12.00 per day (12 hours)
South Harbor Garage $12.00 per day (12 hours)
Church Street Lot $12.00 per day (12 hours)
Sewall Street Lot 2 hour meters
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6.3.8. Recommended Revenue: Based on an MBTA style payment system, a fee of $5.00
per day is recommended. Monitoring of payment should be twice a day to cover
commuter/day user as well as evening cruise/excursion users.
6.4. Public Area Concessions
6.4.1. Description of the Business
The nature of this business is the control of the Salem Port Project site assets and
the charging for businesses that wish to operate within this area for
picking/dropping off of passengers for tours, food and retail concessions that may
operate on the site within the terminal building, or through kiosks or carts outside.
Licensing for transport modes would apply to trolleys or taxis that stand-by to offer
services to arriving passenger vessels. This would not include taxi’s that drop off or
are called to the site by passengers. At such time as there are too many pedi-
cab/rick-shaw type conveyances, these too would be subject to licensing. While
eventually as competition increases there may be opportunities for fees associated
with such transport mode licenses. Initially, however, the licenses are intended as a
means of traffic control and public convenience.
Licensing for sales concessions of food, beverages, and visitor goods would also be
needed to control the number, type and location of such concessions. Revenue
opportunities for such concessions would apply to exterior site and terminal interior
locations.
6.4.2. Competitive Positioning
The site represents a controlled area which can generate a substantial amount of
traffic flow throughout the day during the peak summer season. As such, it
represents an exclusive environment that the City has the option to control.
6.4.3. Operating Procedures
In order to take advantage of this revenue opportunity, the City would need to allow
or provide the following:
A program for licensing of concessions which defines what falls within this
category and what does not.
A system of site management of concessions in terms of location and
number to prevent impedance of passengers and other site users. This
would include the establishment of limits to number and type of
concessions.
6.4.4. Infrastructure and Resource Needs
Limited infrastructure is required and the only addition need would be the
establishment of a kiosk/push cart stations. Licensed mobile concessions would
require defined parking zones that did not compete or conflict with transit and drop-
off functions. Kiosks for retail and food may need power and data connections
although many are self contained.
6.4.5. Liability issues
No additional liability exposure is anticipated for the City.
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6.4.6. Projected Performance – Facility Revenue Generation
Market Size: At this time it is unclear how large the market is for concessions but it
is clear that trolleys and pedicabs have found that passengers from the ferry (and
presumably other modes) to be a desirable market to attract business. The
utilization of licensing these concessions would be to control their numbers and
reduce congestion on the site as much as possible.
6.4.7. Comparative Market Review
No comparable market review has been performed at this time for this type of
usage.
6.4.8. Recommended Revenue
It is believed that the market revenue is relatively small and that the fees from
concessions should be relatively small with the intent to require licenses more for
control of the number of concessions and not for overall revenue generation.
It is recommended that fees be assessed by the kiosk, cart or unit (pedicabs, trolley,
etc.) with some effort to balance fees to usage. A common lease arrangement for
push cart type concessions is to charge a percentage of revenue in the 5% to 10%
range.
6.5. Vessel Storage
6.5.1. Description of the Business
The project site has the opportunity to utilize portions of the parking area in the off-
season for vessel storage for additional revenue. This operation would be leased out
competitively to a third party that would provide this service. For example, the
nearby Hawthorne Cove Marina might need convenient additional upland storage
for seasonal marina tenants.
6.5.2. Competitive Positioning
The use as boat storage is an opportunity that the City should consider given the
proximity of Hawthorne Cove Marina. While other boat storage contractors may be
interested, the cost of moving vessels by trailer to and from the site might make it
less attractive.
6.5.3. Operating Procedures
In order to take advantage of this revenue opportunity, the City would need to allow
or provide the following:
Closing off approximately 12,500 square feet which represents about 25
percent of the parking area during the off-season for boat storage. The
main access loop to the terminal and pier would need to remain open, and a
portion of on site parking would need to be kept available.
Allow erection of a security fence around the vessel storage area
Provide for direct access to and from the storage site for trailers
6.5.4. Infrastructure and Resource Needs
Limited infrastructure is anticipated to be required and the only addition need
would be the establishment of a security zone around the area dedicated for vessel
storage. The security would be provided by removal fencing that would be the
responsibility of the vessel storage contractor.
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6.5.5. Liability issues
The City will need to require the vessel storage contractor to carry all insurances
and have the City identified as additionally insured to protect the City from all
potential claims.
6.5.6. Projected Performance – Facility Revenue Generation
Market Size: The market size is limited to the area that could be utilized for vessel
storage which is currently indicated to the immediately adjacent to Hawthorne Cove
Marina. The area is approximately 12,500 square feet and is anticipated to hold up
to 45 vessels.
6.5.7. Comparative Market Review: Comparative prices for providing dry storage in the
Salem area is about $35 per linear foot and does not include any hauling, cleaning
or movement costs.
6.5.8. Recommended Revenue: Based on incorporating direct access for heavy trailers
and boat moving equipment, revenue of $20 per linear foot is recommended. If a
contractor has to move boats to/from the site over the road by trailer, this value may
be less.
7. REVENUE SUMMARY
7.1. Introduction
Based on the analysis of market sizes and anticipated revenues within each market that
has been presented above, a summary of the anticipated revenues has been developed.
Revenues have extrapolated to identify and recognize future growth for 2011, the
anticipated first year of operation, and years 2015, 2020 and 2025.
The basis for growth within each market includes a three percent per year general
increase due to inflation as well as increase in activity in some developing markets.
The projections presented are not intended to establish a pricing or fee structure that
would be used but rather provides an estimate of what revenues should be anticipated
from each market based on comparable markets and uses.
7.2. Passenger Vessels
7.2.1. Passenger Ferry: The City owns a passenger ferry vessel and provides an operation
between Boston and Salem through the peak summer season which is run by a
private operator. The revenue generated by this operation is based on typical
berthing rates for commercial/excursion/ferry vessels. Given that this is a vessel
owned by the City, it would be assumed to be berthed year round and therefore pay
a rate that is lower rate then seasonal operations. The vessel is a 149 passenger ferry
having a 92 foot length. Based on a market rate of $3,000 per month for a 100 foot
vessel, the ferry should contribute as follows:
• Year: 2011 Revenue: $2,750/mth $33,000 /yr
Based on a 5 percent increase per year, the revenue for future years would be
projected to be:
• Year: 2015 Revenue: $37,142 /yr
• Year: 2020 Revenue: $43,058 /yr
• Year: 2025 Revenue: $49,915 /yr
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7.2.2. Excursion Vessels: Excursion vessel revenue is based on the development of this
market once the port facility has been constructed. The vessels are assumed to be
100 foot in length as a typical size. Based on the identified market, the rates would
be $500/day, $4,000 per month seasonal rate or $3,500 per month for annual
berthing. Based on these rates, the project revenue that excursion vessels should
contribute is as follows:
• Year: 2011
Daily Rate: 12 days Revenue: $6,000 /yr
Based on a 3 percent increase per year, the revenue for future years would be
projected to be:
• Year: 2015
Daily Rate: 18 days Revenue: $10,130 /yr
• Year: 2020
Daily Rate: 24 days Revenue: $15,657 /yr
Annual Rate: 1 vessel Revenue: $54,800 /yr
• Year: 2025
Daily Rate: 24 days Revenue: $18,151 /yr
Annual Rate: 1 vessel Revenue: $63,529 /yr
7.2.3. Cruise Ships: Cruise ship revenue is based on the continued development and
expansion of this market once the port facility has been constructed. The vessel
revenues are based on smaller coastal cruise ships that are less than 300 feet in
length and medium cruise ships that would have greater lengths and be required to
moor in an anchorage area. Based on the identified market, the rates would be
$500/day for coastal cruise vessels and $2,000 to $3,000 per visit for medium size
cruise ships and would vary based on vessel size. Based on these rates, the project
revenue that cruise ships should contribute is as follows:
• Year: 2011 Calls: 4 days Revenue: $ 2,000 /yr
Based on a 3 percent increase per year, the revenue for future years would be
projected to be:
• Year: 2015 Calls: 16 days Revenue: $6,753 /yr
• Year: 2020 Calls: 24 days Revenue: $15,657 /yr
• Year: 2025 Calls: 24 days Revenue: $18,151 /yr
7.2.4. Visiting Vessels: Visiting vessels include historic vessels, tall ships and naval and
Coast Guard vessels calling at the Salem port facility. Based on investigation of this
market, no revenue can be anticipated. Although such visits have a high public
benefit and awareness, they do not provide revenue to port facilities. Some might
even require payment by the City or sponsors prior to making a port-of-call to cover
their expenses.
7.2.5. Transient Vessels: Revenue from transient vessels is based on opportunity to
provide these users with a modern marine facility and the ability to handle the
larger transient vessels that typical marinas cannot accommodate. These would
include large yachts and mega-yacht markets. This market would be expected to
grow as knowledge of this facility widespread. Based on the identified market, the
rates would be $4.00 /ft/day or $400 per day for a 100 foot vessel. Based on a
average 100 foot vessel, the projected revenue from transient vessels would
contribute is as follows:
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• Year: 2011 Calls: 40 days Revenue: $16,000 /yr
Based on a 3 percent increase per year, the revenue for future years would be
projected to be:
• Year: 2015 Calls: 60 days Revenue: $27,012 /yr
• Year: 2020 Calls: 80 days Revenue: $41,753 /yr
• Year: 2025 Calls: 100 days Revenue: $60,504 /yr
7.3. Commercial Vessels
7.3.1. Offshore Supply Vessel: The City currently has an agreement with an offshore
supply vessel that is utilized with the Northeast Gateway LNG Project. This
relationship is anticipated to continue with a long term annual berthing agreement.
The vessel would be berthed year-round and therefore pay a rate that is lower rate
then seasonal operations. The vessel is a 130 foot offshore supply vessel and based
on a market rate of $3,000 per month for a 100 foot vessel, this commercial vessel
should contribute as follows:
• Year: 2011 Revenue: $3,900 /mth $46,800 /yr
Based on a 3 percent increase per year, the revenue for future years would be
projected to be:
• Year: 2015 Revenue: $52,674 /yr
• Year: 2020 Revenue: $61,063 /yr
• Year: 2025 Revenue: $70,789 /yr
7.3.2. Other Commercial Vessels: While these vessels would not represent a steady or
predicable market, definite interest has been expressed by various marine
contractors and commercial operators to take advantage of the proposed port
infrastructure. The typical size vessels are assumed to be 100 feet in length. Based
on the identified market, the rates would be $500/day, $4,000 per month seasonal
rate or $3,500 per month for annual berthing. Based on these rates, the project
revenue that excursion vessels should contribute is as follows:
• Year: 2011
Daily Rate: 2 days Revenue: $ 1,000 /yr
Based on a 3 percent increase per year, the revenue for future years would be
projected to be:
• Year: 2015
Daily Rate: 10 days Revenue: $ 5,628 /yr
• Year: 2020
Daily Rate: 18 days Revenue: $11,743 /yr
Annual Rate: 1 vessel Revenue: $54,800 /yr
• Year: 2025
Daily Rate: 24 days Revenue: $18,151 /yr
Annual Rate: 1 vessel Revenue: $63,529 /yr
7.3.3. Fishing/Lobster Vessels: These vessels would utilize the embayment slips and
projected full berth use is based on a continuation of reported current market
conditions. . The number of berths would be limited in the summer to allow for
better site utilization during this peak period by other users. Vessels were assumed
to be 40 foot length on average. Based on the identified market, the rates would be
$50 per foot for winter berths and $75.00 per foot for summer berths. Based on
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these rates, the project revenue that excursion vessels should contribute is as
follows:
• Year: 2011
Summer: 8 Slips Revenue: $34,000 /yr
Winter 17 Slips Revenue: $24,000 /yr
Based on a 3 percent increase per year, the revenue for future years would be
projected to be:
• Year: 2015
Summer: 8 Slips Revenue: $38,267 /yr
Winter 17 Slips Revenue: $27,012 /yr
• Year: 2020
Summer: 8 Slips Revenue: $44,362 /yr
Winter 17 Slips Revenue: $31,315 /yr
• Year: 2025
Summer: 8 Slips Revenue: $51,428 /yr
Winter 17 Slips Revenue: $36,302 /yr
7.4. Upland Markets And Opportunities
7.4.1. Office / Storage: Construction of a new terminal building provides n opportunity for
inclusion of rentable space for office and covered storage for marine tenants. The
primary users would be the Salem Ferry operator and the offshore supply vessel for
staffing and support. Based on market analysis, the anticipated revenue for these
uses would be $15.00 per square foot for office space and $10.00 per square foot
for storage. Based on these rates, the project revenue that excursion vessels should
contribute is as follows:
• Year: 2011
Office: 3,450 sf Revenue: $51,750 /yr
Storage: 3,000 sf Revenue: $30,000 /yr
Based on a 3 percent increase per year, the revenue for future years would be
projected to be:
• Year: 2015
Office: 3,450 sf Revenue: $58,245 /yr
Storage: 3,000 sf Revenue: $33,765 /yr
• Year: 2020
Office: 3,450 sf Revenue: $67,522 /yr
Storage: 3,000 sf Revenue: $39,143 /yr
• Year: 2025
Office: 3,450 sf Revenue: $78,277 /yr
Storage: 3,000 sf Revenue: $45,378 /yr
7.4.2. Meeting / Function Space Rental: While there are few comparables for a small
waterfront rental space during the off season, estimates have been prepared for
revenues from two sources: general rental rate use of the space and non-profit rate
use of the space.
• Year: 2011 Revenue: $ 5,000 /yr
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Based on a 3 percent increase per year, the revenue for future years would be
projected to be:
• Year: 2015 Revenue: $ 5,628 /yr
• Year: 2020 Revenue: $ 6,524 /yr
• Year: 2025 Revenue: $ 7,563 /yr
7.4.3. Parking: It is anticipated that parking during the peak season will be in high
demand and that revenue paid parking on the site could be achieved. The revenue
per car would be $5.00 per day for the 125 spots identified for paid parking. Based
on an average of 50 cars per day over 80 days, the project revenue that parking
should contribute is as follows:
• Year: 2011 Revenue: $20,000 /yr
Based on a 3 percent increase per year, the revenue for future years would be
projected to be:
• Year: 2015 Revenue: $22,510 /yr
• Year: 2020 Revenue: $26,095 /yr
• Year: 2025 Revenue: $30,252 /yr
7.4.4. Public Area Concessions: No revenue has been projected for this potential use.
7.4.5. Vessel Storage: It is anticipated that vessel storage could be an off-season revenue
source. It is anticipated that 12,500 square foot would be available for this use and
that the rate would be $20 per linear foot of vessel storage on site. It is assumed that
45 vessels at an average length of 28 feet would fit on site. Based on these
assumptions, the project revenue that vessel storage should contribute is as follows:
• Year: 2011 Revenue: $25,200 /yr
Based on a 3 percent increase per year, the revenue for future years would be
projected to be:
• Year: 2015 Revenue: $28,363 /yr
• Year: 2020 Revenue: $32,880 /yr
• Year: 2025 Revenue: $38,117 /yr
7.5. Revenue Summary
A summary of the revenues identified above can be seen in Exhibit 7-1 and illustrates
the revenue for each primary user or market as well as the total estimate revenue for the
first year of operation (2011) as well as for 2015, 2020 and 2025. Also provided is the
annual financial bond amount to cover the City of Salem’s portion of the capital
improvements.
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EXHIBIT 7-1 Summary of Project Revenues
SALEM WHARF PROJECT
City Annual 2011 2015 2020 2025
ANNUAL REVENUE Investment 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year 15 Year
PASSENGER VESSELS
Ferry 37,373$
- Berthing 33,000$ 37,142$ 43,058$ 49,915$
- Office - 750 sf 11,250$ 12,662$ 14,679$ 17,017$
- Storage - 1,000 sf 10,000$ 11,255$ 13,048$ 15,126$
Excursion 27,231$ 6,000$ 10,130$ 15,657$ 18,151$
- Vessels daily calling 12 18 24 24
- Vessel Berthing 54,800 63,529
Cruise Ships - Coastal 37,637$ 2,000$ 6,753$ 15,657$ 18,151$
- vessels calling 4 162424
Cruise Ships - Medium -$ 2,814$ 6,524$ 11,344$
- vessels calling - 1 2 3
Visiting Vessels -$ -$ -$ -$
Transient Vessels 16,000$ 27,012$ 41,753$ 60,504$
- Vessel - Annual Overnights 40 60 80 100
COMMERCIAL VESSELS
Offshore Supply Vessel 51,353$
- Berthing 46,800$ 52,674$ 61,063$ 70,789$
- Office - 2,700 sf 40,500$ 45,583$ 52,843$ 61,260$
- Storage - 2,000 sf 20,000$ 22,510$ 26,095$ 30,252$
Commercial Vessels 24,508$ 1,000$ 5,628$ 11,743$ 18,151$
- Vessels daily calling 2 101824
- Vessel Berthing 54,800$ 63,529$
Lobster Boats 33,607$
- Winter - 17 vessels 34,000$ 38,267$ 44,362$ 51,428$
- Summer - 8 vessels 24,000$ 27,012$ 31,315$ 36,302$
UPLAND ELEMENTS
Meeting/Function 5,000$ 5,628$ 6,524$ 7,563$
Parking - 80 days @ 50 per day 20,000$ 22,510$ 26,095$ 30,252$
Concessions (To be determined) -$ -$ -$
Vessel Storage - 45 vessels 25,200$ 28,363$ 32,880$ 38,117$
City Infrastructure 69,814$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Annual Investment/Revene 281,522$ 294,750$ 355,942$ 552,898$ 661,380$
Fees and berthing rates assumed to increase 3% annually
Does not include operation and maintenance costs
Dredging Costs Not Included
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8. FACILITY OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
8.1. Introduction
The formal management structure of the new Salem Wharf Project is reviewed and
developed within Section 13 below. In this section, the day to day costs for management
and operation of the facility are identified including those costs that may be borne by the
City directly. The majority of costs are assumed to be directly reimbursed by the revenue
generated by the facility activities and controlled through an annual budget and
appropriation by the management entity.
8.2. Management Operation and Maintenance
The day to day management of the new Salem Wharf Project is presumed to be through
a year-round full-time Operations Manager. Additional part time staffing would be
present during the busy summer period to assist in the seven day work periods and
multiple facility demands. The facility manager would either be a seasonal contract
employee or a full-time city employee that has other duties the rest of the year.
As part of the management, costs for typical office operations would need to be
budgeted including phone/fax/computers/etc as well as supplies. In addition, information
for “customer service” would need to be developed including fee and rate schedules,
marketing materials, web site information.
An investigation of other public marine facilities and existing city budgets for Winter
Island, the Harbormaster’s office, and Parks and Recreation Department was performed
to identify a likely budget for these requirements.
8.3. Building Operation and Maintenance
The building operation and maintenance is assumed to be separate from all other
maintenance activities. Each tenant is would be responsible for its own utilities and the
cost for janitorial services either directly or through their lease agreement. This would
include dumpsters with trash removal that would need to be managed to minimize site
impact. The building public areas would require maintenance including public
restrooms, terminal waiting area, facility manager office space, etc.
Building maintenance would be responsibility of the City’s management entity and an
annual budget would need to be established with the understanding that it is likely need
to be increase as the building gets older.
Since the site and building will be owned by the City of Salem, property taxes have not
been incorporated into this operations analysis.
8.4. Site Operation and Maintenance
The site maintenance will be another area that will require regular attention to keep the
site in a high level of appreciation as experienced by visitors. This will include regular
(daily) site cleaning with trash pickup, street sweeping as required, attention to
landscaping, etc. Public trash receptacles would need to be picked up regularly. All of
which will present the first image to Salem to many tourists.
Other maintenance will include operating and maintaining site lighting, the need for
snow removal including pier and around the terminal building. Seasonal site items that
will require attention include storm system maintenance including catch basin cleaning
and winter sand removal.
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Many of these items are performed by the City at other city owned properties and the
determination of how these items are performed at the Salem Wharf site. At this point
the elements of site lighting, stormwater system maintenance, snow plowing and
pavement sweeping would be done a part of City-wide maintenance activities while all
other items would be managed onsite.
8.5. Fixed Pier - 17,740 sf Operation and Maintenance
The fixed pier provides the main access for larger vessels as well as provides protection
of the vessels on the south side with the inclusion of the wave barrier under the pier. The
maintenance of the new pier should be minimal with the biggest concern being vessel
berthing damage to the fender system. The pier is anticipated to have lighting and
convenience power at the pier which will be a regular operating cost for the facility.
Power and other utilities to the vessels would be paid for by the users and would not
create a burden to the facility.
8.6. Floating Barges - 6,500 sf Operation and Maintenance
The floating barges associated with the commercial vessels including the offshore
supply vessel and the ferry would require maintenance at a higher level than the pier.
The maintenance budget should be put into a reserve account such that it would have
adequate funds for a significant maintenance activity, which may include removal and
recoating the floats on a periodic basis, repair of the mooring brackets and replacement
of cathodic protection system anodes.
It is also assumed that the barges are the north side would not be used and may be
relocated to the south side to avoid the more severe winter weather and would be
relocated back in the spring. This relocation cost has been identified with an annual
budget.
No other operating costs are anticipated and that other potential costs would be borne
directly by the float users.
8.7. Commercial Fishing Floats - 10,425 sf Operation and Maintenance
The floating docks associated with the commercial fishing vessels would require
maintenance had a higher level than the pier. The maintenance budget should be put into
a reserve account such that it would have adequate funds for a significant maintenance
activity which may include removal, repair and replacement of the floats on a periodic
basis, repair of the mooring brackets and replacement/repair of utilities as required.
It is also assumed that the floats that are more outshore may be relocated into the
embayment to avoid the more severe winter weather and would be relocated back in the
spring. This relocation cost has been identified with an annual budget.
The only other operating costs anticipated would be the costs of lighting on the floats
that would not be directly paid for by the boat slip renters. This may be distributed to the
users or carried as a separate cost associated with site lighting.
8.8. Summary of Recommended Maintenance and Operation Cost Budgets
The Exhibit below provides a breakdown of the individual maintenance and operating
costs that are recommended within the Salem Wharf budgets
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN SALEM WHARF PROJECT
Page 49 of 73 BOURNE CONSULTING ENGINEERING
EXHIBIT 8-1 Operation & Maintenance Costs
SALEM WHARF PROJECT
2011 2015 2020 2025
ANNUAL REVENUE Responsibility 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year 15 Year
Management
- Personnel Private 99,186$ 116,034$ 141,173$ 171,758$
- Other Operating Expenses Private 9,900$ 11,582$ 14,091$ 17,144$
Building
- Utilities - Common Areas - sf Private 17,500$ 20,473$ 24,908$ 30,304$
- Janitorial/Ins/Repairs - sf Private 39,800$ 46,560$ 56,648$ 68,921$
- Taxes - sf (None) City -$ -$ -$ -$
Site
- Utilities - Lighting City 1,000$ 1,170$ 1,423$ 1,732$
- Stormwater City 1,000$ 1,170$ 1,423$ 1,732$
- Snow Plowing/Sweeping City 1,000$ 1,170$ 1,423$ 1,732$
- Trash - Office/Site Barrels Private 3,000$ 3,510$ 4,270$ 5,195$
- Landscaping Private 3,000$ 3,510$ 4,270$ 5,195$
- Maintenance Private 5,000$ 5,849$ 7,117$ 8,658$
Fixed Pier - 17,740 sf
- Utilities - Lighting Private 1,000$ 1,170$ 1,423$ 1,732$
- Maintenance Private 5,000$ 5,849$ 7,117$ 8,658$
Floating Barges - 6,500 sf
- Utilities - Lighting Private 1,000$ 1,170$ 1,423$ 1,732$
- Maintenance Private 10,000$ 11,699$ 14,233$ 17,317$
- Seasonal Relocations Private 5,000$ 5,849$ 7,117$ 8,658$
Commercial Fishing Floats - 10,425 sf
- Utilities - Lighting Private 1,000$ 1,170$ 1,423$ 1,732$
- Maintenance Private 10,000$ 11,699$ 14,233$ 17,317$
- Seasonal Relocations Private 5,000$ 5,849$ 7,117$ 8,658$
Capital Reserve 5%10,919$ 12,774$ 15,542$ 18,909$
Estimated Annual Operating / Maintenance Costs 229,305$ 268,255$ 326,373$ 397,083$
Operating cost increases assumed to be 4% annually (Includes inflation and real increases)
Vessels pay for own utilities - power/water/sewer/trash
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN SALEM WHARF PROJECT
Page 50 of 73 BOURNE CONSULTING ENGINEERING
9. DISTRIBUTION OF USER CAPITAL COSTS
9.1. In order to compare the projected revenue to the estimated project capital costs, a
distribution of the capital costs was performed. This allowed for the direct allocation of
construction costs to a specific user or market which can then be compared to the
revenues generated by that market segment. Exhibit 9-1 illustrates the total project
capital costs as well as a breakdown of this cost by the primary users (or markets)
associated with the Salem Port Project.
A major section of the capital costs was identified as “Public Infrastructure” which
represents major site improvements that are not directly associated with single or
multiple users but required for the site’s overall development. This includes such
elements as main utility feeds from Derby Street, the Harbor Boardwalk, shoreline
stabilization, public building space and other general site work.
The capital costs are then broken to an annual cost to support a bond in the amount to
finance the identified improvements. These costs are further allocated through
identification of the City’s required contribution that is needed to match Seaport Council
funding that is anticipated for the project.
EXHIBIT 9-1 Capital Cost User Distribution
Item Total Salem Offshore Supply Commercial Excursion/Visiting Pier Berthing Lobster Public
Ferry Vessels Vessels Vessels Ships Boats Infrastructure
UTILITIES 425,000$ 85,000$ 85,000$ 85,000$ 85,000$ 85,000$
SITE WORK 898,250$ 179,650$ 89,825$ 35,930$ 53,895$ 89,825$ 449,125$
HARBORWALK 1,433,750$ 1,433,750$
SHORELINE STABILIZATION 210,000$ 210,000$
PIER STRUCTURE 3,995,000$ 665,833$ 665,833$ 665,833$ 665,833$ 1,331,667$
FLOATS W/ MOORING 500,800$ 500,800$
ADA FLOAT RELOCATION 40,000$ 40,000$
FENDER SYSTEMS 180,000$ 18,000$ 162,000$
BARGE FLOATS 1,080,750$ 360,250$ 360,250$ 360,250$
MOORING PILES 180,000$ 45,000$ 45,000$ 45,000$ 45,000$
SERVICES 80,000$ 15,000$ 15,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 20,000$ 20,000$
GANGWAYS 60,000$ 30,000$ 15,000$ 15,000$
TERMINAL BUILDING
Public Space 625,000$ 625,000$
Office 656,250$ 213,278$ 377,345$ 65,628$
Storage/Workshop 468,750$ 117,188$ 351,563$
GATEWAY 262,500$ 262,500$
WAVE BARRIER - 300 lf 750,000$ 250,000$ 250,000$ 250,000$
DREDGING
Embayment Toe Wall - 51 515,000$ 515,000$
Totals 12,361,050$ 1,640,948$ 2,254,816$ 1,076,083$ 1,195,641$ 1,652,562$ 1,475,625$ 3,065,375$
Contingency - 20%2,472,210$ 328,190$ 450,964$ 215,217$ 239,129$ 330,513$ 295,125$ 613,075$
Inflation - 7%1,038,329$ 137,840$ 189,405$ 90,392$ 100,434$ 138,816$ 123,953$ 257,492$
Total Construction Budget 15,871,589$ 2,106,978$ 2,895,185$ 1,381,692$ 1,535,204$ 2,121,891$ 1,894,703$ 3,935,942$
w/o dredging
City of Salem Contribution 3,967,897$ 526,745$ 723,796$ 345,423$ 383,801$ 530,473$ 473,676$ 983,986$
(25 Percent)
Annual Bond Cost
(25 yr @ 5.0%) 281,522$ 37,373$ 51,353$ 24,508$ 27,231$ 37,637$ 33,607$ 69,814$
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN SALEM WHARF PROJECT
Page 51 of 73 BOURNE CONSULTING ENGINEERING
10. PROJECT PRO FORMA ANALYSIS
A. Revenue / Operating Budget
Salem Wharf fees are assumed to increase at a rate of 3 percent compounded from year 1
(2011), reflecting recent year Consumer Price Index (CPI) average annual rates. Revenue
will increase with increased future utilization. The Salem Wharf operating organization will
have to be fully operational at opening to accommodate anticipated demand and will ramp
up during the first 5 years of operation.
Increased utilization will increase operating costs, as well as increase revenue. Annual
operating expenses are compounded annually at a 4 percent, which includes a 3 percent cost
inflation rate and 1 percent increase due to increased facility utilization.
The data presented in Exhibit 10-1 shows the 5-year pro forma operating expenses and net
operating income during the start-up phase. Year 1 (2011) is in current dollars. Debt service
payment estimates have not been included.
Exhibit 10-2 provides the summarize operating assumptions for the first year of operation
based on the market analysis present above.
The information in Exhibit 10-3 illustrates the anticipated annual revenue for the 5-year
start-up phase. Year 1 (2011) is in current dollars.
In Exhibit 10-4 the estimated first year (2011) operating expenses are presented in current
dollars.
The graph in Exhibit 10-5 presents the estimated annual revenue, operating expenses, net
income, debt service and the overall profit/loss anticipated over the first 15 years of
operation. The debt service extends for a period of 25 years before it is completely retired. It
is anticipated that the facility reaches a maximum utilization in about 2025 and that
subsequent revenue increases would be limited to inflation and the ability of charging users
premium rates for facility usage.
EXHIBIT 10-1 5 Year Pro Forma Analysis
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Earned Revenue Potential $294,750 $308,228 $322,248 $337,379 $355,942
Operating Expenses $229,305 $238,478 $248,017 $257,937 $268,255
Net Operating Income $65,445 $69,750 $74,232 $79,442 $87,687
Source: Bourne Consulting Engineers, Norris and Norris, Portscape, and ConsultEcon, Inc.
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN SALEM WHARF PROJECT
Page 52 of 73 BOURNE CONSULTING ENGINEERING
EXHIBIT 10-2 Year 1 (2011) Operating Assumptions in Current Dollars
Inflation and Future Increases
Annual Marine and Facilities Rate Inflation 3.0%
Annual Operating Cost Increase (Inflation & Actual
Increases)4.0%
Marine Rates
Passenger Ferry $2,750 per month
Excursion Vessels (Daily) $500 per day
Excursion Vessels (Homeport) $3,500 per month
Cruise Ships (Coastal) $500 per day
Cruise Ships (Medium) $2,500 per day
Commercial Vessel (Homeport) $3,900 per month
Commercial Vessel (Other) $500 per day
Commercial Vessel (Other Homeport) $3,500 per month
Transient Vessel $400 per day
Lobster Vessel - winter season $75 per linear foot
Lobster Vessel - summer season $150 per linear foot
Facility Rates
Office Space $15 per square foot
Industrial/Warehouse Space $10 per square foot
Parking $5 per day
Marine Uses
Average size of Lobster Vessel 40 linear feet
Facilities
Building Size 9,950 square feet
Size of Leasable Office Space 3,450 square feet
Size of Leasable Industrial/Warehouse Space 3,000 square feet
Size of Common Areas 3,500 square feet
Utility Cost $5.00 per square foot
Janitorial, Maintenance and Repairs Cost $4.00 per square foot
Number of Annual Facility Rentals 10
Net Revenue from Facility Rental $500
Net Revenue from Winter Vessel Storage $560 per vessel
Assumed Winter Vessel Storage Capacity 45 vessels
Parking
Total Parking Spaces 125
Parking Rate $5 per day
Days of Paid Parking per Year 80 days
Average Daily Parking Usage 50 cars
Personnel
Pier Manager Salary $60,000 per year
Fringe and Benefits Rate - Full-Time 30% of Salary
Fringe and Benefits Rate - Part-Time 7% of Salary
Part-time/Seasonal Staff Rate $15 per hour
Part-Time/Staff Hours 1/1,320 per year
1/ Hours based on average of 60 hours per week for 26 weeks between May and October.
Source: Bourne Consulting Engineers, Norris and Norris, Portscape, and ConsultEcon, Inc.
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN SALEM WHARF PROJECT
Page 53 of 73 BOURNE CONSULTING ENGINEERING
EXHIBIT 10-3 5-Year Revenue Potential
Revenue Category 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Marine Facilities
Passenger Ferry
Rate/month $2,750 $2,833 $2,917 $3,005 $3,095
Months/year 12 12 12 12 12
Annual Revenue $33,000 $33,990 $35,010 $36,060 $37,142
Excursion Vessels
Rate/day $500 $515 $530 $546 $563
Days/year 1213141618
Annual Revenue $6,000 $6,695 $7,426 $8,742 $10,130
Cruise Ships - Coastal
Rate/day $500 $515 $530 $546 $563
Days/year 4 6 8 10 12
Annual Revenue $2,000 $3,090 $4,244 $5,464 $6,753
Cruise Ships - Medium
Rate/day $2,500 $2,575 $2,652 $2,732 $2,814
Days/year 00001
Annual Revenue $0 $0 $0 $0 $2,814
Commercial Vessel (homeport)
Rate/month $3,900 $4,017 $4,138 $4,262 $4,389
Months/year 12 12 12 12 12
Annual Revenue $46,800 $48,204 $49,650 $51,140 $52,674
Commercial Vessel (other)
Rate/day $500 $515 $530 $546 $563
Days/year 246810
Annual Revenue $1,000 $2,060 $3,183 $4,371 $5,628
Transient Vessel
Rate/day $400 $412 $424 $437 $450
Days/year 4045505560
Annual Revenue $16,000 $18,540 $21,218 $24,040 $27,012
Lobster Vessel
Rate/season (winter) $2,000 $2,060 $2,122 $2,185 $2,251
Slips/season 17 17 17 17 17
Annual Revenue $34,000 $35,020 $36,071 $37,153 $38,267
Rate/season (summer) $3,000 $3,090 $3,183 $3,278 $3,377
Slips/season 88888
Annual Revenue $24,000 $24,720 $25,462 $26,225 $27,012
Subtotal Marine Facilities $162,800 $172,319 $182,263 $193,194 $207,431
Upland Facilities
Office $51,750 $53,303 $54,902 $56,549 $58,245
Industrial/Warehouse $30,000 $30,900 $31,827 $32,782 $33,765
Facility Rentals $5,000 $5,150 $5,305 $5,464 $5,628
Concessions (To be determined)
Vessel Storage (45 Vessels) $25,200 $25,956 $26,735 $27,537 $28,363
Parking $20,000 $20,600 $21,218 $21,855 $22,510
Subtotal Upland Facilities $131,950 $135,909 $139,986 $144,185 $148,511
Total Annual Revenue $294,750 $308,228 $322,248 $337,379 $355,942
Source: Bourne Consulting Engineers, Norris and Norris, Portscape, and ConsultEcon, Inc.
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN SALEM WHARF PROJECT
Page 54 of 73 BOURNE CONSULTING ENGINEERING
EXHIBIT 10-4 Estimated Year 1 (2011) Operating Expense Budget
Expense Category Amount
Percent of
Total
Personnel
Salaries - Full-Time $60,000 26%
Salaries - Part-Time/Seasonal $19,800 9%
Taxes, Fringe and Benefits (Full-Time Only) $18,000 8%
Taxes, Fringe and Benefits (Part-Time Only) $1,386 1%
Subtotal Personnel $99,186 43%
Administrative 1/
Office Supplies $1,500 1%
Printing and Binding $1,000 0%
Advertising $2,500 1%
Telephone $2,000 1%
Equipment $2,000 1%
Educational Training $600 0%
Uniforms $300 0%
Insurance 2/Not Calculated
Subtotal Administrative $9,900 4%
Building
Utilities $17,500 8%
Janitorial, Maintenance and Repairs and Insurance $39,800 17%
Taxes NA
Site and Pier
Utilities $1,000 0%
Stormwater $1,000 0%
Snow Plow/Sweeping $1,000 0%
Trash Removal $3,000 1%
Landscaping $3,000 1%
Maintenance $5,000 2%
Fixed Pier
Utilities - Lighting $1,000 0%
Maintenance $5,000 2%
Seasonal Relocations
Floating Barges
Utilities - Lighting $1,000 0%
Maintenance $10,000 4%
Seasonal Relocations $5,000 2%
Commercial Fishing Floats
Utilities - Lighting $1,000 0%
Maintenance $10,000 4%
Seasonal Relocations $5,000 2%
Subtotal Operating Expenses $218,386 95%
Capital Reserve (5% of operating expenses) $10,919 5%
Total Operating Expenses $229,305 100%
1/ Administrative expenses based on assessment of Harbormaster, Winter Island and
Recreation Department FY08 budget detail. Does not include janitorial and maintenance
supplies and labor, which are included under building and site expenses.
2/ Insurance is presumed to fall under the City's general insurance coverage.
Source: Bourne Consulting Engineers, Norris and Norris, Portscape, and ConsultEcon,
Inc.
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN SALEM WHARF PROJECT
Page 55 of 73 BOURNE CONSULTING ENGINEERING
EXHIBIT 10-5 Salem Wharf Performance Graph
SALEM WHARF OPERATIONS$65,445$87,687$226,525$264,297$(216,078)$(193,835)$(54,998)$(17,225)$(300,000)$(200,000)$(100,000)$-$100,000$200,000$300,000$400,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,0002010 2015 2020 2025FISCAL YEARINCOMEEXPENSESNET OP REVENUEDEBT SERVICEPROFIT (LOSS)
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN SALEM WHARF PROJECT
Page 56 of 73 BOURNE CONSULTING ENGINEERING
11. PROJECT SCHEDULE
A project schedule as developed for the project that identifies the regulatory, design and
construction phases of the project. Estimated time requirements and inter-relationships of the
different elements have been identified. The Salem Wharf Project Schedule is illustrated in
Exhibit 11-1. A summary of the schedule time lines and key milestones are presented below.
The summary below also includes a number of associated tasks that would need to be
considered/implemented within the project.
Assumptions:
• Preliminary Design Complete
• Regulatory Filings made for Phase I elements
• Funding for final design approved
Key Milestones
1. Selection of Design Consultant for all elements Nov 2008
2. Confirmation on Building Program Mar 2009
Excelerate commitments
Salem Ferry use determination
3. Submission of Regulatory Filings for Phase II Dec 2008
Identify requirements for resource impacts – Mitigation requirements
Initiate mitigation design if required
4. Review and approval of 75% of design – Marine/Site/Building
Marine Elements Feb 2009
Site Development Feb 2009
Building Mar 2009
5. Facility review by City for incorporating City services/standards Mar 2009
6. Obtain Salem Conservation Commission approval for final site plan Mar 2009
7. Identify Salem Wharf Marine Advisory Board Structure (SWMAB) Mar 2009
8. Identify Terminal Manager
9. Review/Approve Final Contract Documents – by SWMAB and Terminal Manager
Marine Elements Aug 2009
Dredging – Phase I & II: Aug 2009
Site Work: Jul 2009
Building: Mar 2010
10. Identify Construction Management and Resident Engineering Jul 2009
11. City Approval(s) award for project Aug 2009
12. Construction Award
Marine Elements Aug 2009
Dredging Sep 2009
Site Work Jul 2009
Building Mar 2010
13. Construction Completion
Marine Elements Jul 2010
Dredging Mar 2011
Site Work Jul 2010
Building May 2011
It is assumed that in the summer season of 2011 all aspects of the Salem Wharf Project would
be fully operational.
IDTask NameDurationStartFinishPredec12Task 1 - Permitting - Phase I116 days?Mon 9/15/08Thu 2/19/0931. NOI Salem ConCom Filing35 daysMon 9/15/08Fri 10/31/0842. DEP - Water Quality - w/ NOI35 daysMon 9/15/08Fri 10/31/0853. DEP Waterways - Chp 91 Filing112 days?Mon 9/15/08Fri 2/13/0964. CZM - Consistency93 days?Tue 10/14/08Tue 2/17/0975. USACE Section 10 Filing116 daysMon 9/15/08Thu 2/19/098Regulatory Coordination - Phase I113 daysMon 9/15/08Mon 2/16/092122 Permitting - Phase II143 daysFri 10/31/08Fri 5/15/09231. Mitigation23 daysFri 10/31/08Fri 11/28/08242. NOI Salem Filing34 daysMon 12/1/08Thu 1/15/09253. DEP - Water Quality - w/ NOI33 daysMon 12/1/08Wed 1/14/09264. DEP Waterways - Chp 91 Filing93 daysMon 12/1/08Fri 5/8/09276. CZM - Consistency85 daysMon 1/5/09Fri 5/1/09285. USACE Section 10 Filing120 daysMon 12/1/08Fri 5/15/0929Regulatory Coordination - Phase II111 daysMon 12/1/08Mon 5/4/094243Task 2 - Final Design - Marine Structures (Phases I & II)200 daysFri 10/31/08Tue 8/4/094475% Design - Marine Structures68 daysFri 10/31/08Fri 1/30/0945100% Design / Draft Constr Doc36 daysFri 2/13/09Fri 4/3/094446100% Review & Comment10 daysMon 4/6/09Fri 4/17/094547Final CDs - Marine Structures22 daysMon 4/20/09Tue 5/19/094648Bid Phase20 daysWed 5/20/09Tue 6/16/094749Contract Award - Marine Structures35 daysWed 6/17/09Tue 8/4/09485051Task 3 - Final Design - Upland Site / Mitigation190 daysFri 10/31/08Tue 7/21/095275% Design - Upland Site68 daysFri 10/31/08Fri 1/30/0953100% Design / Draft Constr Doc25 daysFri 2/13/09Thu 3/19/095254100% Review & Comment10 daysMon 3/23/09Fri 4/3/095355Final CDs - Upland Site22 daysMon 4/6/09Tue 5/5/095456Bid Phase20 daysWed 5/6/09Tue 6/2/095557Contract Award - Upland Site35 daysWed 6/3/09Tue 7/21/09565859Task 4 - Final Design - Building355 daysMon 11/3/08Thu 3/11/1060Schematic Design / Program Verification90 daysMon 11/3/08Thu 3/5/0961Review /Comment - City15 daysFri 3/6/09Thu 3/26/096062Final Design / DD90 daysFri 3/27/09Thu 7/30/096163CDs / Permitting120 daysFri 7/31/09Thu 1/14/106264Bid / Award40 daysFri 1/15/10Thu 3/11/10636566Task 5 - Final Design - Dredging (Phases I & II)157 daysMon 1/5/09Tue 8/11/096775% Design - Upland Site26 daysMon 1/5/09Mon 2/9/0968100% Design / Draft Constr Doc34 daysTue 2/10/09Fri 3/27/096769100% Review & Comment20 daysMon 3/30/09Fri 4/24/096870Final CDs - Upland Site22 daysMon 4/27/09Tue 5/26/096971Bid Phase20 daysWed 5/27/09Tue 6/23/097072Contract Award - Upland Site35 daysWed 6/24/09Tue 8/11/09717374Task 6 – Construction498 days?Mon 7/6/09Wed 6/1/1175Marine Structures240 daysMon 8/10/09Fri 7/9/104976Marine Structures - Phase II80 days?Mon 1/3/11Fri 4/22/1177Upland Site Construction / Mitigation265 daysWed 7/22/09Tue 7/27/105778Terminal Building Construction300 daysFri 3/12/10Thu 5/5/116479Dredging - Stage 184 daysMon 12/6/10Thu 3/31/118080Dredging - Stage 290 daysTue 9/29/09Mon 2/1/1081Construction Management498 daysMon 7/6/09Wed 6/1/118/108/249/79/2110/50/111/21/11/32/12/21/111/252/82/223/83/224/54/195/35/175/316/146/287/127/268/98/239/69/2010/40/111/11/11/22/12/21/101/242/72/213/73/214/44/185/25/165/306/136/277/117/258/88/229/59/1910/30/10/31/11/22/12/21/91/232/62/203/63/204/34/175/15/155/296/12SeptemberNovemberJanuaryMarchMayJulySeptemberNovemberJanuaryMarchMayJulySeptemberNovemberJanuaryMarchMayTaskSplitProgressMilestoneSummaryProject SummaryExternal TasksExternal MilestoneDeadlineEXHIBIT 11 - 1SALEM WHARF - PROJECT SCHEDULETue 11/18/08Project: BCE Schd 102107Date: Tue 11/18/08
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN SALEM WHARF PROJECT
Page 57 of 73 BOURNE CONSULTING ENGINEERING
12. MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE ISSUES
12.1. Management Needs
The management of the site can take many forms that can range from a separate port
authority, which has the power to issue bonds, to a City employee working under the
direction of the City Council or City department. The degree of formalization will be
dependent on how much autonomy the management needs to perform its duties which in
turn are dependent on the complexity of the facility.
The Salem Wharf project is presumed to be relatively simple in nature but anticipated to
be subjected to operating pressures that would call for an on-site manager during the
busiest time periods, roughly May through October. The management of the facility will
need to deal with a number of issues that are more than the City Council would want to
handle directly. An overseeing committee or group is a natural consideration. Some of
the main management issues include:
• Contractual / Accounting: This element defines who has the authority to enter into
contracts and agreements with site tenants and vessels wishing to call at Salem
Wharf. The degree of formality depends on the user and the duration of the contract,
which could be as long as a multi-year agreement or as short as one for a single
vessel overnight. In association with this is where the responsibility lies for billing,
collecting funds, and monitoring delinquencies. The greater commitment of the site
into agreements would imply the need for a more formal and public approval
process. This would include defining standard rates annually as well as approval of
long term lease contracts for the building tenants and vessel berthing.
• Marketing / Sales: The nature of the Salem Wharf will require a marketing and sales
effort to reach its full potential. This effort needs to be performed in a manner that is
consistent to the City’s other promotional efforts and that is focused on the
commercial aspects of what the facility offers to prospective users. It should also be
recognized that there are a variety of markets that need to be considered and the best
way to reach those markets will need to be identified. Marketing associated with the
tourist industry may need to come from a different entity than marketing associated
with commercial uses in order that neither becomes limited or forgotten because of
the primary focus of the marketing group.
It should be understood that the facility manager’s position and role within the
marketing is key for successful development of the site. The manager needs to
understand that he or she will be the primary face to potential users including the
ferry operator, cruise ships, visiting vessels and commercial vessels. This manager
will also be responsible for a close working relationship with the commercial fishing
boat operators.
• Site / Building Maintenance: The maintenance of the building and site in a
professional manner will be a key component in the perception of visitors that are
arriving to Salem by boat (ferry, cruise ship or transient vessel). The site manager
will need to implement methods to insure that the facility is truly seen as the
“Gateway to Salem”. This will include management of the tenants to ensure that
their areas are properly maintained as well as implementing the programs to keep the
public spaces in presentable condition.
In addition, the management of the facility will need to incorporate seasonal
maintenance programs for painting and cleaning, repairing site problems and other
items that may be required in the off-season.
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN SALEM WHARF PROJECT
Page 58 of 73 BOURNE CONSULTING ENGINEERING
• Marine Structure Maintenance: The management of the marine structures will need
to entail the close watch of the floating structures and moveable elements
(gangways) for potential problems of wear and damage and the determination of
how they need to be fixed. Once items have gone beyond the ability of on-site to fix,
a determination of which repairs will be made in a cost-effective and timely manner.
• Daily Operations Management: Management of the daily activities will be the
primary responsibilities of the facility manager who will represent the management
entity. The issues will include the coordination of different users, resolution of
disputes between users and enforcement of the site regulations and policies. The
approach and attitude of the site manager will have a strong role in how the public
and commercial users see the attractiveness of the site to their needs.
Although the manager may need to have the enforcement powers of a typical
harbormaster or assistant harbormaster, the manager will need to be perceived as a
welcoming representative for the City where law enforcement is secondary to
customer satisfaction.
13. MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE EXAMPLES
13.1. Introduction
A number of comparable public management structures were investigated to determine how
other communities managed their public commercial waterfront facilities. The following
illustrate how larger and smaller port facilities are managed and how they interact with their
overall community governing structure.
13.2. Oak Bluffs Marina
A. Summary of Operations
Although called a marina and is the largest marina on Martha’s Vineyard, it provides
substantial commercial marine facilities including passenger vessel berths with
numerous seasonal callings, year round mail boat, larger cruise ship support as well as
commercial fishing vessel berthing.
B. Management
The waterfront area is managed by a Todd Alexander who serves both as Harbormaster
and Marina Manager. He is overseen by a town committee that is known as the Marina
Advisory Committee. The committee members are appointed and approved by the
Town Selectmen. Contractually all things go through the Town. Todd is able to run the
marina, passenger vessel berths, commercial fishing berths and commercial vessel
berthing in a privatized method with a focus on service and profit. Two permanent
employees work for the Town during the year with about 10 temporary employees
during the summer. The committee is comprised of like-minded members who seek to
keep the “private” operated feel.
C. Contractual / Accounting
All contracts are formally executed through the Town by approval of the Selectmen.
Agreements are developed by the Town’s Harbor Advisory Board which negotiates with
tenants and then provides recommendations to the Selectmen. Accounting and revenue
collection varies but most go through Harbormaster’s Office and directly into Town’s
general fund.
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Rates are reviewed by the Harbormaster and the Harbor Advisory Board annually.
Recommendations are put forward to the Selectmen for final adoption of rates.
Contracts for commercial passenger vessels include:
• Patriot Party Boats (mail boat)
• Island Queen
• Vineyard Fast Ferry
D. Marketing / Sales
The Harbormaster performs marketing through web site maintained by them. It is
primarily a reservation system but provides a lot of site information as well. Oak Bluffs
has been very successful as a preferred location for transient vessels.
Some sales are through Harbormaster’s Office for the various type users including:
• Marina/Transient Boaters – maximum limits on stays
• Cruise Ships (large cruise ships with tender service) – Ports of Call
• Commercial Fishing – Lobster Boats – Contracted through Harbormaster
E. Site / Building Maintenance
The site has minimal infrastructure which consists primarily of a small harbormaster’s
office. Ferries either have no terminal or have terminals within private building space.
Maintenance for the site is minimal and is based on transient boater revenue ($1.00 per
boat) with an annual budget of about $13 to $15,000 per year.
The Town provides site maintenance including trash collection, snow plowing, street
cleaning, lighting, green spaces, etc.
F. Marine Structure Maintenance
Larger maintenance projects need to receive approval by the Selectmen.
G. Management of Daily Operations / Conflict Resolution Management
The Harbormaster manages all daily issues including support for passenger vessels,
resolution of conflicts, launch service (fee) and management of staff.
H. Revenue / Operating Budget
The annual revenue for the Town managed waterfront is about $800,000. The operating
budget for the 2007 season was about $255,000.
13.3. Wellfleet Town Marina
A. Summary of Operations
The Town Marina operates independently from revenues it collects from slip and
mooring rentals, transient boating fees, boat ramp operations, marine fueling and other
activities. It supports limited commercial vessel activity which is limited by draft and
including commercial fishing vessels including lobster and shellfish boats and head
boats. They do maintain a commercial fishing pier which provides berthing and ability
for offloading.
B. Management
The waterfront area is managed by an Enterprise Fund established in 1989 where the
Harbormaster provides the specific daily management of all operations. The Enterprise
Fund is overseen by a Marine Advisory Committee, the members of which are
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appointed by and who advise the Town Selectmen. The Selectmen are the primary
governing entity. The Harbormaster manages all activities and answers directly to the
Selectmen.
Contractually all things go through the Enterprise Fund. The operation is able to run the
marina, boatramp, commercial fishing, marina and transient berths, moorings and
marine fueling in a privatized method with a focus on service and profit. Two full time
and one part time employee work for the Town during the year with up to about 8-10
summer temporary employees. All staff is paid through Enterprise Fund revenues.
C. Contractual / Accounting
All contracts are formally through the Enterprise Fund but all rates are approved by the
Selectmen through a public meeting process.
Rates are reviewed by the Harbormaster and the Harbor Advisory Committee annually.
Recommendations are put forward to the Selectmen for final adoption of rates.
D. Marketing / Sales
Very limited formal marketing occurs but it is performed by the Enterprise Fund.
Harbormaster maintains a Wellfleet Town Marina web site.
Sales are through Harbormaster’s Office for the various type users including:
• Marina/Transient Boater Slips – maximum limits on stays
• Moorings
• Boatramp Use
• Commercial Fishing – Lobster Boats – Contracted through Harbormaster
• Marine Fueling Station
E. Site / Building Maintenance
The maintenance of the site and buildings are the responsibility of the Enterprise Fund
with the majority of maintenance activities done directly by staff. Where Town
performs activities, the Enterprise Fund pays the Town. There is minimal building
infrastructure which consists primarily of a small harbormaster’s office and separate
building for vehicle storage and seasonal bathrooms/showers.
F. Marine Structure Maintenance
Larger maintenance or capital improvement projects need to receive Town approval
with the recommendation of the Harbormaster and Marine Advisory Committee.
Bonding is subject to a Town vote but would be paid by the Enterprise Fund revenues.
The marina has been able to take advantage of federal and state grant programs for
capital projects.
G. Management of Daily Operations / Conflict Resolution Management
The Harbormaster manages all daily issues including boatramp, marine fueling,
transient slips and moorings, resolution of conflicts and management of staff. There are
two full time employees and one part time employee for the Town and about 10
seasonal workers.
The Harbormaster, although as some legal authority, exercises minimal upland policing
activity and relies on local police department.
H. Revenue / Operating Budget
The typical annual operating budget is $400,000 to $500,000.
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13.4. EDIC/Lynn
A. Summary (from EDIC/Lynn Website)
The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation of Lynn (EDIC/Lynn) is a
nonprofit corporation established under a state mandate in 1977 that functions as the
City's development bank.
EDIC/Lynn has a history of more than 30 years providing financing to the businesses in
the City of Lynn. Through innovative programs EDIC/Lynn is able to put financing
tools into the marketplace that allows for capital to become available at very attractive
rates.
Since 1977, EDIC/Lynn has strengthened Lynn's economy by encouraging existing
companies to expand or new companies to relocate into the City. Simply stated,
EDIC/Lynn has all the financial tools and capabilities from the public sector's vantage
point that private developers need at their disposal.
B. Management
The Lynn/EDIC entity operates’ separately from the City and receives no monies for
operating from the City. Although the organization is under the Office of Economic &
Community Development, all operating costs are derived from revenues obtained from
agreements and leases of properties owned and controlled by EDIC. It has its own
Board of Directors and the ability to work through the City for access to State and
Federal funding programs including the MA Seaport Council.
C. Contractual / Accounting
Contracts and accounting associated with agreements is all within the office of EDIC
which are located within Lynn City Hall.
D. Marketing / Sales
All marketing and sales associated with agreements and facility utilization is all within
the office of EDIC which are located within Lynn City Hall.
E. Site / Building Maintenance
EDIC is responsible for all its building maintenance. Site maintenance is performed by
City departments as appropriate
F. Marine Structure Maintenance
EDIC is responsible for all its building maintenance. Site maintenance is performed by
City departments as appropriate
G. Management of Daily Operations / Conflict Resolution Management
13.5. Fall River
A. Summary of Operations
The Fall River State Pier is a state-owned facility operated by a 501(c)3 non-profit
organization, Fall River Pier Line, Inc. The facility caters to commercial maritime users
and has a large landside warehouse for storage, which is one of the Pier’s largest
sources of revenue.
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B. Management
The Commonwealth maintains a long-term lease with Fall River Pier Line, Inc., which
was created by an act of state legislature in 1955. A board of directors, whose members
are appointed by the Fall River Port Authority, oversees Pier operations. The 10-
member Fall River Port Authority includes the Mayor of Fall River, the City Council
president, and the City Treasurer and all positions on the Authority and board of Fall
River Pier Line are appointed by the Mayor at an annual meeting. The board of Fall
River Pier Line meets quarterly.
The management structure is anticipated to change when redevelopment plans are
implemented, pending passage of state legislation. The future structure will be a 7-
member state commission, with members consisting of state and local officials (or
designees) and residents of Fall River appointed by the Governor.
C. Contractual / Accounting
All contracts and accounting are handled by Fall River Pier Line, Inc. The annual
budget is approved by Commonwealth’s Department of Conservation and Recreation,
which maintains the lease agreement with the non-profit organization. The “rent” to the
state consists of the profits after expenses and is determined by state auditors. The
Commonwealth owns the land, building, and equipment.
D. Marketing / Sales
Marketing and sales of facility berths and warehouse space is handled by Fall River Pier
Line, Inc. The facility’s users include commercial fishing vessels, a floating fish
distribution plant, cargo shipping operators, and cruise ships. Word of mouth is
important. All businesses come across the transom. There is reportedly not enough
dock space to accommodate the demand for it.
E. Site / Building Maintenance
Fall River Pier Line, Inc. is responsible for all site and building maintenance. The Pier
is approximately 8.6 acres and the building is approximately 96,000 square feet.
F. Marine Structure Maintenance
Fall River Pier Line, Inc. is responsible for all marine structure maintenance.
G. Management of Daily Operations / Conflict Resolution Management
Fees are charged for office space and dock space, as well as water and electric (with a 4
percent surcharge). Fall River Pier Line, Inc. has 11 total staff, including 2 office staff, 2
maintenance staff and 7 security staff. Security is a 24 hour/7 day requirement, with
someone onsite at all hours. Due to Coast Guard regulations, all employees onsite must
have transportation workers identification card.
H. Revenue / Operating Budget
In 2007, Fall River Pier Line, Inc. had a $63,000 net profit on $492,000 in gross revenue.
Warehouse rental space brought in $205,000, dockage fees brought in $86,000 and water
and power brought in $145,000.
Expenses for 2007 totaled $439,000. Salary and benefits totaled $205,000 or 47 percent
of total operating expenses. Security costs were $50,000 for the year.
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13.6. Provincetown Public Pier Corporation
A. Summary of Operations
MacMillan Pier is owned by the Town of Provincetown and operated under a long-term
lease by the Provincetown Public Pier Corporation, which was established by an act of
state legislature in 2000 specifically to operate MacMillan Pier after it was
reconstructed. The Pier Corporation pays annual rent to the Town, manages day-to-day
operations, and is responsible for all Pier maintenance and upkeep.
B. Management
The Pier Corporation manages all day-to-day pier operations and has a board of
directors, appointed by Town Selectmen, to oversee its operations. The Pier Corporation
Board of Directors and the Town Selectmen have an annual joint meeting to keep the
Town abreast of Pier Corporation business. Prior to the Pier Corporation, the Town had
managed the Pier. The rationale behind the creation of the Pier Corporation was to
provide more focused management oversight that could better capitalize on the
economic opportunities presented by the Pier redevelopment. In addition, the structure
would be less subject to Town politics, which has reportedly not occurred.
C. Contractual / Accounting
The Pier Corporation manages its own accounts and contracts and collects user fees and
rent, but all revenue and expenses are processed through the Town accounting
department to ensure transparency and oversight. The Pier Corporation can set rates
and enter into contracts, but must hold a public meeting in order to do so.
D. Marketing / Sales
The Pier Corporation works collaboratively with the Town and the local Chamber of
Commerce and tourism marketing agency. It also maintains a website with current
rates and regulations. Many of the users are long-term tenants with long-term leases or
licenses that were executed before the creation of the Pier Corporation. Marketing and
sales have focused on attracting cruise ships and using the facility for public events.
E. Site / Building Maintenance
The Pier Corporation is responsible for all site and building maintenance. The Town
provides for snow and trash removal.
F. Marine Structure Maintenance
The Pier Corporation is responsible for all marine structure maintenance and with Town
approval can borrow money for capital improvements.
G. Management of Daily Operations / Conflict Resolution Management
The Pier Corporation has two year-round, full-time employees focused on day-to-day
management of the Pier. In addition, the Pier Corporation contracts with the Town to
manage the harbormaster office and staff, so in this capacity, the Pier manager serves as
Harbormaster and manages two full-time assistant harbormasters. During the peak
summer season, the Pier Corporation employs three to four seasonal part-time staff, as
well as 2 night watchmen.
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H. Revenue / Operating Budget
In fiscal year 2007, total revenues were $562,669 and total expenses were $514,047,
resulting in a net income of $48,622. Revenue from dockage and license fees was
$346,426, or 62 percent of total revenues. The harbormaster management fee was
$137,000, or 24 percent of total revenues. Salaries and benefits totaled $257,352 or 50
percent of total expenses. The pier lease payment was $92,000, or 18 percent of total
expenses. Other significant expenses included insurance, utilities and maintenance and
repairs.
13.7. MASSPORT
A. Summary of Operations
The Massachusetts Port Authority (MASSPORT) manages the largest publicly owned
marine facility in Massachusetts as well as the largest airport. The MASSPORT is a
state legislated public authority and operates independent of the state or any local
governments. They are self-funded and get not economic support from the state.
B. Management
It has its own Board of Directors that are appointed by the Governor on a rotating basis
which provides the management for the organization. MASSPORT also has the ability
to obtaining bonding for financing its projects. All operating costs are derived from
revenues from their operations with Logan Airport providing substantial revenues.
C. Contractual / Accounting
Contracts and accounting associated with all agreements are all within MASSPORT’s
control.
D. Marketing / Sales
MASSPORT performs all their own marketing and sales associated with lease
agreements, concessions, etc.
E. Site / Building Maintenance
MASSPORT perform their own site and building maintenance including roadways,
landscaping, and buildings.
F. Marine Structure Maintenance
MASSPORT is responsible for all its own building maintenance. Site maintenance is
performed by City departments as appropriate
G. Management of Daily Operations / Conflict Resolution Management
MASSPORT is responsible for all overall management with contracts to tenants for
management of specific areas that leased out. All security it provided within its
management as well as with the State Police.
13.8. Project Management Recommendations
A. Summary of Operations
The operations of Salem Wharf will be limited initially but will be important to
maintain an order and a methodology for determining uses, operational limits and
contractual understanding and interpretations. Management will need to deal with
agreements of tenants both from marine operations to terminal building space and
utilization. Marine operations will include long term leases associated with commercial
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and passenger ferry operations, seasonal slips for commercial fishing, transient vessels,
cruise ship port-of-calls, excursion vessels as well as other limited maritime uses of the
pier.
Upland issues of parking as well bus, trolley, pedi-cabs and truck use of the site will
need to be managed to provide an efficient as well as “presentable” face to visitors
coming to Salem by boat and the resolution of conflicts associated with limited space.
B. Management
Similar to the examples of Oak Bluffs and Wellfleet, the City of Salem should consider
a Salem Wharf Advisory Board that will provide the general oversight and management
of the site including the interfacing with the Wharf Operations Manager. The Board
would not have any legal position to enforce regulations, fees or agreements which
would be reserved for City Council review and approval. They would provide
recommendations and a structure for policies and agreements including
recommendations for establishment of fees. They would also provide recommendations
for the position of Wharf Operations Manager including selection and replacement as
may be required. Given the role of the Board, members should be appointed on a
staggered terms and consist of members which would have no conflict of interest.
The ultimate goal of management will be to develop site opportunities to a level where
operations can be self-supported by revenues on a sustainable basis.
The Wharf Operations Manager will need to be an individual is entrepreneurial in spirit
without sacrifice of the site or the image of the City. It is presumed that the initial
position would be part time with full time presence on-site from May through
November with seasonal assistance. As the site utilization increases, the role would be
year-round and requiring greater seasonal coverage to maintain a 7 day / 12 hour day
presence at the facility.
C. Contractual / Accounting
All contracts for multi-year agreements and leases would be formally approved through
the City Council based on recommendations by the Wharf Advisory Board and the
Operations Manager. Standard rates would be established annually for usage including
commercial fishing, transient vessels, Ports of Call, etc. which would be submitted to
the City for approval and for any changes.
Accounting and revenue collection would vary with multi-year payments going directly
to the City while all other would be collected by the Operations Manager before
submitted to the City. It is recommended that all revenues associated with Wharf
agreements be accumulated separately by the City prior to going into City’s general
fund for transparency, management and enterprise purposes.
Contracts for commercial vessels would include:
o Salem Ferry
o Excelerate Offshore Supply Vessel
o Cruise Ship Port-of-Calls – multi-year agreements
It is anticipated that fees from vessels utilizing water, power, sewage pumpout would
collected during the season and payment for those utilities would be required to be paid
on a monthly basis. As such an account needs to be maintained by Salem Wharf to
deposit fees and pay for associated charges.
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D. Marketing / Sales
The primary marketing and sales will need to come from the management entity that
should include a strong web site on the opportunities of Salem Wharf as well as cross
links to overall City tourist marketing.
The Operations Manager will need to be able to provide direct sales to potential users
including transient vessels, visiting vessels, commercial users seeking to load/off-load
from the pier, etc.
E. Site / Building Maintenance
The site will have substantial infrastructure including a new terminal building. Although
the level of maintenance should be limited due to new construction, the Operations
Manager will need to have the access to resources necessary to maintain the site and
building to a high level. This would include site and building utilities, building janitorial
requirements, pier and float maintenance requirements.
Site trash removal: Public trash receptacles may be City of Salem standard (solar
powered compactors) where the City department would take responsibility or be
standard receptacles where Operations staff would be required to empty them regularly
into site dumpster.
Street sweeping: City street cleaning department in spring with any additional
requirement contracted out if required
Snow plowing: City snow removal department.
F. Marine Structure Maintenance
Any substantial marine structure maintenance projects need to go through City for
financing and approval. Where revenues are sufficient, a maintenance reserve account
should be established to take care of unanticipated needs.
G. Management of Daily Operations / Conflict Resolution Management
The Operations Manager would be responsible for managing all daily issues including
support for passenger vessel activities, resolution of pier user conflicts, management of
pier staff, and coordination of pier partners. Unlike the harbormaster position, the
operations manager should not be seen as a security position and serious issues should
be directed to the Salem Police Department.
14. MARKETING PLAN
14.1. Introduction and Overview
This section reviews the recommended marketing plan for the start-up phase and stable
ongoing operations of the Salem Wharf.
In general, other commercial marine facilities in Massachusetts conduct a limited amount
of general advertising, relying primarily on a web site to publish general information,
such as contact information, facility hours of operation, services offered, rates, and rules
and regulations. It is recommended that the Salem Wharf create a web site that would
serve the same function. The web site would also be an appropriate forum to promote
tenant businesses, especially those that cater to general passengers and tourists, such as
the Salem Ferry, excursion vessels, and cruise ships. A Salem Wharf website should link
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to existing Salem public and private, resident, business and visitor organizations to build
marketing and outreach capacity.
Many existing marine facilities rely on word-of-mouth to reach potential users. Therefore,
it is of utmost importance that the Salem Wharf focus on quality customer service in order
to build a reputation as a marine facility of choice for commercial users that might have
an option to use other facilities in Massachusetts or the North Shore region. Moreover,
passenger vessels catering to the general public will require a high level of cleanliness and
safety on land, as well as clarity in signage and wayfinding. The facility and site should
be easy for first-time visitors to navigate. The Salem Wharf will function as a gateway to
the community for many first-time visitors. As the first impression of Salem, the Salem
Wharf sets the tone for a visit and as such, every effort should be made to provide the
highest level of experience possible.
As proposed above, the Salem Wharf Operations Manager would be responsible for
facility sales and marketing; however, outreach methods would be different for different
user types. Commercial vessels will require more “retail” interaction, direct, face-to-face
communications by the Operations Manager and staff than passenger vessels. Passenger
vessels are marine “wholesale” operations coordinated by the Operations Manager, Salem
Wharf Advisory Committee and City Council.
Since the Salem Wharf will have commercial businesses that would cater to visitors to
Salem (i.e. passenger vessels with the exception of transient vessels), the Operations
Manager should coordinate with the City’s Office of Tourism and Cultural Affairs
(Destination Salem) to attract the types of businesses that would complement the existing
tourism and hospitality base. Moreover, the Operations Manager could help connect
wharf businesses with local tourism and economic development agencies, such as
Destination Salem, the North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Essex National
Heritage Area, the National Park Service, the Salem Chamber of Commerce, and the
North Shore Chamber of Commerce.
The Salem Wharf design and development program were driven, in part, by the needs of
two core tenants: the Salem Ferry, which has operated onsite for several years from
temporary facilities; and, an offshore supply vessel that has agreed to a long-term lease.
As these users are estimated to provide over 50 percent of the facility’s total revenue, the
City of Salem should focus on securing long-term leases with these users in the short
term.
Each market identified as a revenue opportunity in earlier report sections is reviewed in
turn to identify potential commercial users and to outline a likely communication strategy
that would consist of targeted outreach and a value proposition.
14.2. Passenger Vessels
A. Passenger Ferry
The Salem Ferry is an existing tenant at the Salem Wharf currently and it is anticipated
that the company Water Transportation Alternatives will continue to operate the Salem
Ferry.
B. Excursion Vessels
Due to the large resident and tourist markets it serves, the Salem Wharf will have an
opportunity to expand the excursion vessels that call in Salem. Water Transportation
Alternatives, the operator of the Salem Ferry, has offered several excursions during the
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2008 season. The new marine facility will offer additional capacity and improved
services for other excursion operators to enter the Salem market.
The goal of initial marketing efforts should be to create awareness among existing
excursion operators. As a public facility with limited capacity, one method for
attracting the appropriate operator would be through a request for proposals (RFP),
request for qualifications (RFQ) or request for letters of interest (LOI) in such an
opportunity.
The Pier Manager would work within the City’s existing RFP/RFQ/LOI process. In
addition to regular notification channels, such as the city’s website and area news
outlets, the Pier Manager should develop a list of likely targets from existing
ferry/excursion boat operators in Massachusetts, such as Water Transportation
Alternatives, Mass Bay Line, Bay State Cruises, and Boston Harbor Cruises. Other
excursion vessels operating at other Massachusetts ports, such as Gloucester, Rockport,
Newburyport, and Provincetown, would also be likely candidates.
C. Cruise Ships
In 2008, the City of Salem attracted two overnight stays from cruise ships operated by
the American Canadian Caribbean Line, based in Warren, RI. The marketing effort to
attract cruise ships should continue to be led by the City in coordination with the
Operations Manager and the Historic Ports of Massachusetts marketing initiative
through the Commonwealth’s Seaport Advisory Council and Office of Travel and
Tourism. Due to the small number of cruise operators, direct communication will be
important to highlight the facility’s key attributes and the reasons Salem should appeal
to cruise ship passengers. This latter value proposition ties directly into Salem’s overall
tourism positioning while the former would focus on the facilities functionality and
passenger friendliness. In addition to American Canadian Caribbean Line, coastal
cruise lines operating in the area include American Cruise Line, Pearl Seas Cruises,
Cruise West, and the schooner Arabella.
D. Visiting Vessels
As visiting vessels, such as tall ships, sometimes require payment in return for a port
call or do not expect to pay a dockage fee, attracting these vessels should be a low
priority, only to be pursued in conjunction with citywide events and in coordination
with the City and tourism marketing agencies.
E. Transient Vessels
As part of the recreational boating market, transient vessels are not part of Salem
Wharf’s primary commercial marine user base, but may offer revenue opportunities for
short-term dockage if a priority user is not berthed. The recreational boating market is a
large consumer market whose members are often drawn to marinas specializing in
recreational boating. The Salem Wharf would be positioned as a secondary option for
large vessels that cannot be accommodated at local marinas. Therefore, the Operations
Manager should build awareness of the facility and its capacity to handle large vessels
with local marina owners in Salem and the North Shore region through regular, direct
communications.
14.3. Commercial Vessels
A. Offshore Supply Vessel
Through the course of this study, the City of Salem has been negotiating with a
company involved in the Northeast Gateway LNG Project to homeport an offshore
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supply vessel, which would also lease office and storage space in the new Salem Wharf
building. The City should seek to finalize contract negotiations and reach an agreement
on facility design and operational terms. Terms to consider would include placing
restrictions on major provisioning and maintenance activity during peak passenger
activity times at the Salem Wharf.
B. Other Commercial Vessels
The market for other commercial vessels is ill defined and is considered a secondary
market based on opportunities that might arise. The Salem Wharf could be used by a
number of marine-related businesses in the City and the region on an as-needed basis.
The marketing strategy would entail raising the awareness of the Salem Wharf’s
potential benefits to commercial users, including the size of ships it can accommodate,
the marine services its offers, and the Wharf’s structural elements that can handle
industrial loads. These benefits would be communicated formally through a website
and informally through relationships with commercial vessels and commercial port
operators in the area.
C. Fishing/Lobster Vessels
Lobster vessels are small enterprises and the local market consists of area residents
familiar with area marine and maritime facilities. The market research indicates that
there are waiting lists for commercial lobster boat slips in the region, indicating an
unmet demand. Important facility attributes are that lobster berths are accessible to
fisheries, have power and water services, and are protected from winter storms. These
benefits should be communicated formally through the website and informally through
word-of-mouth to lobster vessels berthed in the area and marina and port operators that
cater to this marketplace.
14.4. Upland Markets and Opportunities
A. Overview
The upland Salem Wharf site is constrained and marine uses will drive demand for
parking space, building areas and multi-modal, transfer-oriented, public and private
circulation.
B. Office and Storage Space
Over fifty percent estimated year 1 revenue for onsite office and storage spaces is
associated with existing ferry and commercial marine businesses. The City of Salem
should secure long-term lease contracts for leasable building (office and marine
industrial storage) space during negotiations with marine tenants.
C. Parking
Parking is limited onsite, which may constrain future marine enterprise potential due to
lack of employee or end-user parking. Parking constraints impinge multi-modal
circulation patterns. Potential for parking space premium rates during peak demand
periods.
D. Events
Salem Wharf’s design should incorporate water experiences, as well as “painless”
transfer experiences. Salem Wharf’s potential for events hinges on its ability to offer a
unique and amenity-filled experience that is lasting and permanent, which might
conflict with the transit transfer component. Future building designs should incorporate
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a distinctive community transit lobby with an interior area for over 100 sit-down diners
in non-peak hours.
E. Public Area Concessions
This study does not review the potential market for concessions onsite, but there is an
existing ticket sales booth on Salem Wharf. Visitor concessionaires, hawkers,
transporters and vending machines are all a potential market that would contribute to
commercial activity nodes in Salem. The situation would be comparable to the Essex
Street Pedestrian Mall.
F. Vessel Storage
The marina adjacent to the proposed Salem Wharf has a wait list of vessel owners
desiring winter storage space. The Salem Wharf should continue to work with the
marina and vessel owners to accommodate Salem waterfront usage.
14.5. Market Timing and Project Implementation
Project development management transition and start-up operations should be supported
by the city with the hire of the Salem Wharf Operation Manager starting in the fall of
2010. A well-connected and multi-faceted pier manager is desired for the operations
manager position. Initial duties would include monitoring the Wharf construction project,
developing the accounting, billing and contracting systems, finalizing rates and
regulations, and building awareness of the facility through marketing and outreach with
potential users and the general maritime community in the region.
15. SUMMARY
15.1. Purpose of Study
The City of Salem is proposing a major commercial waterfront development project at the
Blaney Street site which is known as the Salem Wharf Project. In order to identify the key
elements in the operation and management of such a project, it commissioned this study.
The key elements of this study included: Identification of the markets; identification of
the anticipated revenue, the determination of the estimated operational costs, the
establishment of an overall schedule to obtain required approvals and for construction;
and to provide a recommendation for a management structure for its operation.
15.2. Final Plan and Construction Cost
A plan developed under another phase of the project was utilized as a basis of facility
capacity and for the estimated construction cost. This plan was seen as a representation of
the probably maximum site development given the upland site constraints. The
development plan utilized for this study can be seen in Exhibit 2-1 which includes the
major elements of a Terminal Building with office space, a “T” shaped fixed pier with
commercial grade steel floats on each side pier’s approach. The facility also includes a
commercial fishing dock system in the embayment. The overall construction cost for the
infrastructure is estimated to be about $16 million plus the cost of dredging. Dredging is
required to provide adequate draft at the pier and in the embayment for the commercial
fishing vessels.
The City of Salem is seeking funding through the Seaport Council which would fund 75
percent of the infrastructure cost as well as 100 percent dredging cost within a state
Designated Port Area (DPA).
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN SALEM WHARF PROJECT
Page 71 of 73 BOURNE CONSULTING ENGINEERING
15.3. Definition of Markets
An investigation of potential markets that might utilize the site for commercial operations
and provide revenue to the City to pay for operational costs as well as offset the capitol
costs that the City would have to fund. As the site is in a DPA, there are restrictions as to
the type of commercial entities that can operate on the site. As a DPA, the site must be for
commercial water dependant uses. This would exclude recreational boating and severely
restricts non-water dependent operations. Non-water dependant uses may be included but
can not be more than 25 percent of the operation and not result in excluding water
dependant uses.
The specific water dependant markets identified for the Salem Wharf Project are the
following:
Passenger Ferry Services with associated office/storage
Offshore Supply Vessel (Excelerate) and associated office/storage
Coastal Cruise Vessel - Port of Calls
Cruise Ships
Excursion Vessels – Whale Watch, Dinner Boats, Harbor Tour Boats
Military, Tall Ship and Historic Vessel calls
Lobster Boats and other commercial fishing
Commercial Marine - Other
Large Vessel Transient Berthing
Other associated markets identified include:
Terminal Building Office/Storage for water dependant uses
Terminal Building – function/meeting space rental
Parking
Public Area Concessions
Vessel Winter Storage
15.4. Determination of Revenue
The fees and revenue for each of the markets was investigated and presented within
Sections 5 and 6 of the report and summarized in Exhibit 7-1 in Section 7. The revenue
growth was based on a three percent inflation factor as well as increase in site utilization
for some markets. No increases were incorporated into the revenue that might develop as
premiums charged for future limited supply.
The revenues estimated are as follows:
Year 2011 2015 2020 2025
Annual Revenue 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year 15 Year
Water Dependant Revenues 244,500 299,442 487,398 585,448
Upland Revenues 50,200 56,501 65,500 75,932
Total Revenue $294,750 $355,942 $552,898 $661,380
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN SALEM WHARF PROJECT
Page 72 of 73 BOURNE CONSULTING ENGINEERING
15.5. Operating and Maintenance Costs
Operating and maintenance costs were estimated for the Salem Wharf Project which
included a Terminal Manager and associated seasonal support staffing. It is presumed that
the Terminal Manager position may be seasonal at the time of start up but would
transition to a full time position once facility activity becomes significant. The major
elements included within the operation and maintenance costs for the project include:
Management and Staffing
Building: Utilities, janitorial, maintenance and repairs
Site Services including:
Lighting
Stormwater
Snow removal / sweeping
Trash and maintenance
Landscaping
Fixed Pier – Lighting and maintenance
Floating Barges – Lighting, maintenance, seasonal relocation
Commercial Fishing Floats - Lighting, maintenance, seasonal relocation
Capitol Reserves
Other utilities are presumed to be paid directly by tenants and not result in costs to the
facility: The estimated annual operation and maintenance costs are as follows:
Year 2011 2015 2020 2025
Estimated Annual Operating /
Maintenance Costs $229,305 $268,255 $326,373 $397,083
15.6. Project Schedule
A project schedule was developed to illustrate the time for obtainment of the necessary
regulatory approvals, for competition of the final design and constructions documents and
to illustrate the construction period and time of completion. The project schedule can be
seen in Exhibit 10-1. The Project Schedule indicated the following key dates:
Obtainment of all Regulatory Approvals May 2009
Marine Elements
Completion of Final Design
• Structures Aug 2009
• Dredging Aug 2009
Completion of Construction
• Structures Jul 2010
• Dredging Mar 2011
Building
Completion of Final Design Mar 2010
Completion of Construction May 2011
Upland Site Work
Completion of Final Design July 2009
Completion of Construction July 2010
OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN SALEM WHARF PROJECT
Page 73 of 73 BOURNE CONSULTING ENGINEERING
15.7. Management Structure
Alternatives were investigated for creation of a management entity for the Salem Wharf.
Examples of existing community commercial waterfront management organizations were
investigated and summarized within the report. The final recommendation called for all
legal aspects of the management to remain with the City but that creation of a Salem
Wharf Advisory Board that would provide general oversight and management would be
strongly recommended. They would provide guidance to the Wharf Operation’s Manager
who would be an employee of the City although could be by contact.
The Advisory Board, with the Operations Manager, would be responsible for review and
establishment of recommended annual budgets, tenant long term agreements and annual
rates and fees. All elements would be subject to formal City review and approval.
15.8. Marketing Plan
A marketing plan has been developed as part of this report to provide the City of Salem
guidance in the startup phase as well as the ongoing operations as to the marketing effort
and coordination that needs to be considered. This includes establishment of the
Operation’s Manager responsibilities, the need for web based promotion, and the
coordination with other City agencies including the Office of Tourism and Cultural
Affairs (Destination Salem).
APPENDIX I
Visiting Historic & Military Vessels
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: APRIL 11, 2008
TO: RON BOURNE
FROM: LAUREL RAFFERTY, PORTSCAPE
RE: SALEM PORT EXPANSION PROJECT – VISITING HISTORIC & MILITARY VESSELS
VISITING HISTORIC & MILITARY VESSELS
Hosting visiting vessels, especially if part of a schooner race or Tall Ships festival, can
be a spectacular event, attracting a diverse crowd that might not otherwise come to a
port, and bringing positive publicity to the port and host community. Direct revenues
from the vessels are not generated for a port or city by these events. In fact there may
be costs. Revenues can be made by associated activities; establishing an area for
vendors and charging for licenses to participate is an example. Area retail shops,
restaurants, museums, and other activities may benefit economically from the influx of
people.
Details on arranging for visits of historic and military vessels, including the costs and
facility requirements, are presented below.
Naval Military Vessels
Destroyers, frigates, cruisers, and amphibious vessels of the U.S. or a foreign Navy are
available to make calls at communities. Arranging a visit of a naval vessel is a relatively
simpler process than arranging for a visit of an historic vessel or military vessel that is
owned by an organization other than a navy. All requests for visits are made to one
party, the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk VA, and there is one
source representing the Commander and coordinating naval vessel visits in the
Massachusetts area; currently this latter is Scott Cavanaugh. According to Mr.
Cavanaugh, requests for a visit must come from the key official(s) of a community and
must be made in writing (see sample letter in Appendix A11). Every attempt is made to
honor requests – the example of community requests from the state of Maine this past
year was cited, of which five out of six were honored -- but a positive response will
depend on the world situation. Multiple requests per year may be made, as they have
been, for example, by the City of Gloucester, which hosts ship events twice a year, and
these usually (though not always) have been approved. Visits can be made at any time
of year if a vessel will be docked pier-side; if the visiting vessel is to be anchored in a
harbor, visits must take place in the summer. A community dictates the duration of the
stay. There is neither a charge for a vessel visit nor for tours of a visiting vessel.
Community sites must be of sufficient size to accommodate the visiting vessel; while
navy vessels have an average length of 700 F and their drafts range from 36-39 F, there
are smaller vessels requiring lesser draft. See Appendix A2 for available visiting navy
and other military vessels less than 300 F long and 20 F in draft that could be
accommodated at the Salem Port Expansion project site. Provisioning of the vessel is
handled by the ship agent. As a security measure, a pier where the naval vessel is to be
1 Communities are advised to send a letter as much as a year in advance of the desired date of
the visit and also to update the name/rank of the Commander as the position rotates regularly.
LRafferty, Portscape 4/11/08 p. 2
docked will be swept for bombs prior to a vessel’s visit; a community may be asked to
have their local police provide for the protection of the swept site until the ship arrives.
Arranging a call of a military vessel not under the jurisdiction of a navy (U.S. or foreign)
is covered below along with historic vessels.2
Historic Vessels
Historic and non-naval military vessels are owned or supported by a variety of
organizations – governmental, non-profit, educational, and commercial, which must be
contacted individually about a possible visit. There are many Web sites that list visiting
vessels and the information that communities will need to know determine the feasibility
of a visit to their port (see Appendix B). There are also organizations, such as the
American Sail Training Association (ASTA), which, in addition to marketing their member
vessels through such means as maintaining a list of the vessels on its Web site, also
provides other services with regard to vessel visits. In the case of ASTA, the information
its Web site (http://tallships.sailtraining.org) provides on member vessels includes their
support organizations and the Web sites for these support organizations. These
member Web sites, in turn, generally provide detailed information on vessel dimensions,
their season schedules, and their homeport. Such service is part of and supports
ASTA’s broader mission, which, in its own words, is to organize races and rallies to bring
together sail training ships and crews with communities throughout North America. Each
year ASTA organizes race events in a series of ports along a given coast – Atlantic or
Pacific. Two years in advance of a race, ASTA will contract with each participating port;
for each such port, per its contract, it will help in permitting, securing Coast Guard
services, and promoting the event; it will also serve as contact for vessels which wish to
participate. Vessels typically sign on for a whole series. Ports may use the help of such
an association in coordinating a race or other event of visiting vessels.3
Like ASTA’s use of races, communities and vessel support organizations frequently
invite visiting vessels as part of an event, whether a race, Tall Ships or other type of
maritime festival. Vessels visiting for an event in one port may also visit nearby ports;
for example, two vessels which participated in Tall Ships Rhode® Island 2007 in
Newport made visits in Boston Harbor during the same period. There is often
coordination among organizations:
On one fourth of July a fleet -- led by New Bedford’s Schooner Ernestina, the Spirit of
Massachusetts, HMS Bounty and Gazela of Philadelphia -- could be viewed from ashore
at Castle Island in Boston participating in the annual Turn Around of the USS
Constitution, along with USS Salem, a heavy cruiser, and the destroyer Cassin Young in
a spectacular event to honor WWII veterans. Next the four Tall Ships sailed in company
along the Massachusetts coast leaving Boston … in the afternoon …enroute to
Plymouth to anchor for an evening of fireworks in Warren Cove …. The ships transited
the Cape Cod Canal between ….Friday, July 5th. The coastal passage finished with the
ships sailing into New Bedford Harbor …. All four vessels docked for a weekend of tours
and activities at the State Pier in New Bedford.4
2 Source: Scott Cavanaugh, representative of the Commander of the Mid-Atlantic Naval Region
3 Source: ASTA Web site and Jonathan Harley, Race Director, and Jennifer Spring, American Sail Training
Association (ASTA)
American Sail Training Association (ASTA
4Source: http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:bDQKbzwTkDMJ:www.ernestina.org/
history/1996.html+visiting+vessels+massport&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=us.
LRafferty, Portscape 4/11/08 p. 3
This points up the importance to a port community, which is interested in hosting a
visiting vessel event, of checking the schedules of visiting ships before contacting them
to determine their availability and possible opportunities to coordinate with visits they
may be making in its area. The American Sail Training Association’s (ASTA) next
Atlantic Coast races and other events (collectively known as the Tall Ships Atlantic
Challenge® Race) is in 2009 as is the next major tall ships event organized by Sail
Boston Inc. that takes place in Boston Harbor (July 8-13; 2009; see http://www.
sailboston.com/index.html).
Visiting Vessel Dimensions
Vessels participating in Tall Ships Rhode® Island 2007 ranged in overall length from 78 -
293 F, in width from 18 - 39 F, and in draft from 7.5 – 24 F (see Appendix C)
Port Responsibilities and Visiting Vessel Costs and Earnings
Some historic vessels may be happy to come and have no fee. Others may charge
from $2000 -10,000 for a visit to a port. To defray these and other maritime event
costs, Ports often seek sponsors.
While open houses on vessels at no cost are said to be normal, vessels may charge
admission, unless a port pays a vessel for a visit. Even when not charging for tours,
vessels may charge for taking passengers out for a casual sail or allowing guests
onboard during a race.5 They may also sell memorabilia or rent its space for use for
receptions at the end of a day, as is frequently done, and retain the earnings from
these activities. Sponsors of receptions are responsible for covering the costs of
catering as well as rent.6
Ports are responsible for providing for pilotage, if needed, utilities, pumpouts,
certified waste disposal that is required for foreign vessels, and security. These
services may be provided by the host community for free. 7
Examples -- Different Approaches Taken by Different Port Communities to Vessel
Visits
Gloucester
Gloucester hosts two major maritime events a year in which visiting naval and historic
vessels participate. The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce plays a leading role in
organizing the events. In an interview, Tracy Arabian, assistant to the Chamber’s
Executive Director, spoke about the Chamber’s approach and experience in organizing
the events. She indicated that lining up historic vessel visits requires much calling of
individual organizations and that a number of factors influence positive responses to visit
requests. In initial invitations, selling the community – why they would want to come – is
key. The standard letter the Chamber sends to the navy for a vessel visit (in Appendix
A1) demonstrates how the Gloucester markets itself. The quality of the event, one that is
experienced as fun -- and getting well-known for this, lead to repeat visits, and
importantly, also lead to both calls initiated by the vessels themselves, now eager to
visit, and referrals to other vessels. This year, 27 vessels participated in Gloucester’s
5 Source: Michael Costello, Executive Director, Cape ann Chamber of Commerce
6 Sources: Captain Jeffery Monroe, Director, Ports and Transportation Department, Portland, ME
and Jonathan Harley, Race Director, American Sail Training Association (ASTA)
7 Source : Jonathan Harley, Race Director, American Sail Training Association (ASTA)
LRafferty, Portscape 4/11/08 p. 4
schooner race, a significant increase over last year race of 15 vessels. Tracey
mentioned ASTA and the American Schooner Association as important sources of
information on visiting vessels. According to the Executive Director of the Cape Ann
Chamber of Commerce, the schooner race attracts a diverse crowd, but the numbers of
people are not tremendous.
Portland, ME
Portland Maine’s Ports and Transportation Department (PTD) takes direct responsibility
for inviting visiting vessels. Based on prior experience with a major Tall Ships event, the
Department Director, Captain Jeffery Monroe, has concluded that a series of smaller
events, consisting of single vessel visits are more manageable for smaller communities,
as single big events require a huge amount of resources and are costly. Single vessel
visits, he believes, create their own events. See Appendix D for Portland’s 2007 Ship
Schedule which consisted of 10 historic vessel visits, 13 military vessels visits, and 5
festivals. Portland’s PTD books events just as it books vessels. Captain Monroe advises
that a good variety of vessels, domestic and foreign, be invited and that they be
complementary to and not the same as home-ported vessels. He believes hosting
separate festivals for historic vessels vs. other types of festivals is the ideal. In his
experience, visiting historic vessels may charge from $2000-$10,000 a visit or may
charge up to $5 per person for admission to the vessel (above $5/person is said not to
sell). To generate revenues for the city, it allows vendors to set up on a 1.5 acre site
and charges a $25 licensing fee or 5-10% of gross vendor revenues; in its experience,
charging a licensing fee is simpler.
Newport, RI
Tall Ships Rhode® Island 2007 which took place in Newport was a participating event in
ASTA’s series on the Atlantic Coast this year. ASTA’s performed the role described
above, setting up the event two year’s in advance, and serving as the contact for
vessels, among the other services its provides. It was not involved in organizing at the
port. An event-specific governing board ran the event. Newport has never charged
admission to anyone visiting its ships. It is said to work hard to obtain sponsors. It does
use a ticketing system as a means of managing the numbers of people on a vessel at a
given time.8 The Friendship, a replica of an historic vessel based at the Maritime
National Historic Site in Salem (see below), was invited. It was paid $10,000 to attend
(an amount it is typically paid).9
Salem
Salem is homeport to replicas of two historic vessels which make visits to other ports,
the Friendship, that is exhibited at Salem’s Maritime National Historic Site, and Fame,
owned and operated by a commercial enterprise, Pennant Enterprises, Inc., based at
Salem's Pickering Wharf Marina (http://www.schoonerfame.com/), that, in addition to
making visits to others ports, several times daily offers cruises to the public on historic
Salem Sound, and is available for private charters. There are synergies between
Friendship and Fame – they jointly host a lecture series once a month and there is much
word-of-mouth from each about the other – but as different types of vessels supported
by different types of organizations, they have different constituencies. Friendship is not
8 Source: Jonathan Harley, Race Director, American Sail Training Association (ASTA)
9 Source: Colleen Bruce, Wharfinger, Salem Maritime National Historic Site
LRafferty, Portscape 4/11/08 p. 5
certified to carry passengers, and is a much larger vessel, which makes impractical short
two-hour tours that are offered by Fame. Friendship’s marketing is largely by word-of-
mouth. It gets visit requests and referrals, many stemming from its membership with
ASTA, which advertises Friendship on its Web site and in its directory. ASTA is found to
be a well-used resource in the experience of staff responsible for Friendship.
Friendship’s location is within the Essex National Heritage Park; the Park, as part of its
role in promoting the maritime heritage of Essex, serves to market Friendship to other
Essex County ports, such as Newburyport and Lynn. At Friendship’s location in Salem,
there is a visiting vessel dock that can accommodate ships 100 F in length and 13 F in
draft and is used “in fits-and-starts”; commercial vessels are not allowed to use the dock
unless the purpose of their stay is an activity with public involvement. 10
Through initiatives of the City of Salem, visiting Navy, Coast Guard and other types of
vessels have docked at the facilities now owned by Dominion Energy, next to the project
site. The most recent visit was said to have occurred approximately six years ago. The
visits sometimes involved tours of the vessels for which there was no charge. Because
the site hosts a power plant, there are security issues, making logistics a very sensitive
matter. The need for liability insurance is one of the biggest problems; this insurance
has been paid by a third party.
The Historic Ports of Massachusetts Initiative
The Historic Ports of Massachusetts Initiative, while focused on cruise ships, recognizes
that there is a fine line between these vessels and some historic vessels which carry
passengers. A report on the Initiative, in its final version, is to include an attachment on
visiting historic and educational vessels.11
10 Source: Colleen Bruce, Wharfinger, Salem Maritime National Historic Site
11 Source: Greg Ketchen, Project Manager, Historic Port of Massachusetts.
LRafferty, Portscape 4/11/08 p. 6
Appendix A1
Sample Letter Requesting Visit of Naval Vessel
This is the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce’s standard request for visit sent annually to the
Navy. Tracy Arabian of the Cape Ann Chamber indicates that it is a good idea to send this letter
as much as a year in advance of the desired date of the visit. She also says that the name/rank
of the Commander needs to be updated regularly as this position rotates periodically.
________________________________
19 November 2008
Admiral John B. Nathman, U.S. Navy
Commander in Chief
U.S. Atlantic Fleet
1562 Mitscher Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23551-2487
Dear Admiral Nathman:
Planning is already underway for the two major 2006 events that will honor the marine heritage of
the historic seaport of Gloucester, the oldest fishing port on the Atlantic Coast. Knowing that the
scheduling of the Navy’s summertime operations will be conducted in scheduling conferences
during early 2006, I am writing at this time to invite the U.S. Navy to participate in these events.
Gloucester’s people, and its many visitors, always welcome visiting U.S. Navy ships with great
enthusiasm. Accordingly, I am pleased to extend the City of Gloucester’s invitation to the Navy
for the participation of Navy ships in these events, a description of which is as follows:
♦ St. Peter’s Fiesta, whose history can be traced back to Gloucester’s earliest days as
a major fishing port, is known throughout the United States. Scheduled for June 22-
25, 2006, the Fiesta draws a large enthusiastic crowd to its combination of religious
celebrations, music, food, sporting events, and parade, and culminates in the famous
Blessing of the Fishing Fleet.
♦ The Gloucester Schooner Festival commemorates the classic fishing schooner’s
contribution to the history of Gloucester, and features a dozen of the last remaining of
these great old 100 foot vessels as they compete for the Esperanto Cup, one of the
trophies from the first International Fishermen’s Races held off Halifax, Nova Scotia
in 1920. The Festival will be conducted on Labor Day weekend, September 1-4,
2006. Other highlights include: a parade of sail, races for 60 additional small sailing
craft, deck tours, public sails, a lighted boat parade, and a grand fireworks display
over Gloucester harbor.
LRafferty, Portscape 4/11/08 p. 7
Admiral John B. Nathman
U.S. Navy
19 November 2008
Page Two
Each of these events focuses on Gloucester’s relationship with the sea, and draws huge local
and tourist participation, as well as receiving national media attention. U.S. Navy ships have
been major features of many prior Gloucester celebrations, and their participation in the 2006
events would enable the Navy to display its vessels to an appreciative, enthusiastic, and
interested citizenry. We sincerely hope that the Navy will be able to schedule these ship visits in
2006. Please contact me if we can provide any additional information you may require.
Sincerely,
Michael Costello
Executive Director
cc: Gary Barrett, District Director, Office of Congressman John F. Tierney
Mayor John Bell, City of Gloucester
Scott Cavanaugh, U.S. Navy
Fax to: QMC Emanuel, 757-836-6623
Scott Cavanaugh, U.S. Navy
Commander
NE Fleet Support
Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 24
Charlestown, MA 02129
(617) 242-5672
LRafferty, Portscape 4/11/08 p. 8
Appendix A2
Available visiting navy and other military vessels less than 300 F Long and 20 F in draft *
Source Vessel Type Draft (F) Length (F) Width @ Beam (F) Other Comments
US Naval Academy
Yard Patrol Crafts
< 20
108
24
Come in units of
6; vessels can be
tied up three-
abreast
US/Foreign Navy Patrol Boats (PCs) 10 179 26
Mine Sweepers 15 225 39
Navy of Brazil Cisne Branco –
Brazilian Navy Tall
Ship
15.75 254 34.5
Source: Scott Cavanaugh, representative of the Commander of the Mid-Atlantic Naval Region; and
Portscape Memo of 11-3-07, Appendix
* Military ships not under the jurisdiction of a navy generally appear to be floating exhibits or dry-
docked at their homeport and/or are greater than 300 F in length.
LRafferty, Portscape 4/11/08 p. 9
Appendix B
Web Sites on Visiting Historic Vessels
American Sail Training Association http://tallships.sailtraining.org/ The
American Sail Training Association organizes races and rallies to bring together sail
training ships and crews with communities throughout North America. Regional sail
training events take place each year and draw the interest and enthusiasm of
hundreds of thousands of visitors. Trans-oceanic sail training races, organized
under the auspices of Sail Training International take place every 5 - 10 years and
involve multiple national sail training organizations. ASTA coordinates sail training
activities in the US and Canada.
American Sail Training Association
240 Thames Street, PO Box 1459
Newport, RI 02840 USA
Tel: +1-401-846-1775
American Schooner Association http://www.amschooner.org/ The object of the
Association is to foster, promote and encourage the enjoyment, traditions, and
preservation of schooners by supporting individuals and organizations that are in
sympathy with our object, by maintaining a record of these vessels past and present,
and by coordinating a program of racing and cruising.
American Schooner Association
P.O. Box 484
Mystic, CT 06355
No tel. no. provided
If have questions: e-mail at asa@amschooner.org.
The Web site lists schooners, their metrics, support organizations, and more.
National Park Serve Maritime Heritage Program -- Historic Ships Listed by
Region and State -- Identifies vessel dimensions, homeport, contact information.
http://www.nps.gov/history/maritime/ships/lists/state_1.htm
Great New England and Northeast Coast Tall Ships – listed at
http://www.sloopprovidenceonline.org/links.htm
Schooner Man -- Lists vessels at http://www.schoonerman.com/sailing_ships_a.htm
LRafferty, Portscape 4/11/08 p. 10
Appendix C
Visiting Historic Vessel Dimensions12
Vessel Type Homeport Weight Sparred
Length (F)
Width (F) Draft (F)
Ernestina Schooner New Bedford 156 25.6 13
Gazela Primeiro Barkentine Philadelphia 652 DW 177 25 17
Alabama Schooner The Black Dog Tall Ships
http://www.coastwisepacket.com/
Nantucket
126 21 12.5
Bluenose II Schooner Lunenberg Nova Scotia 181 27 16
Bowdoin Schooner Castine ME 100 20 10
Cisne Branco Brazilian Navy Tall Ship fully rigged Rio de Janiero Brazil 254 34’ 6” 15.75
Dewaruci Barquentine Surabaya, Indonesia 191 13
Friendship Fully rigged Salem MA 171 30 11.25
Gloria 3-masted Barque Columbian Navy 250 30 16
Gorch Foch II 3-masted Barque Kiel, Germany 293 39 15.5
Harvey Gage Schooner Watch Hill, RI 131 25 7.5
Picton Castle 3-masted Barque Lunenberg Nova Scotia 176 24 14.5’
Pride of Baltimore II Topsail Schooner Owned by state of Maryland,
operated by Pride of Baltimore
Inc
157 26’ 4” 12.5
Prince William Brig Portsmouth England 195 33 15
Providence Square topsail Sloop Providence RI 110 20 10
Spirit of Bermuda Schooner Bermuda 112 9.5
Spirit of
Massachusetts
Schooner Boston MA 125 24 10.5
Tarangini 3-masted Barque Kochi India 177 28 15
Tree of Life Gaff Schooner Newport RI 93 18’ 6” 8.42
Urania Ketch Rig Den Helder, Netherlands 78 18 9.83
Virginia Schooner Norfolk VA 126 12’ 3” 24
262.25
Average 13.8
Range 7.5-17
12 Vessels participating in Tall Ships Rhode® Island 2007
LRafferty, Portscape 4/11/08 p. 11
Appendix D -- Port of Portland Maine Ship Schedule 2007
LRafferty, Portscape 4/11/08 p. 12
LRafferty, Portscape 4/11/08 p. 13
Appendix E
List of Individuals Interviewed
Scott Cavanaugh, representative of the Commander of the Mid-Atlantic Naval Region
Michael Costello, Executive Director, and Tracy Arabian, Assistant to the Executive
Director, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
Captain Jeffery Monroe, Director, Ports and Transportation Department, Portland, ME
Greg Ketchen, Project Manager, Historic Ports of Massachusetts Initiative
Colleen Bruce, Wharfinger, Friendship, Maritime National Historic Site in Salem, MA
Jennifer Spring, American Sail Training Association (ASTA)
Jonathan Harley, Race Director, American Sail Training Association (ASTA)
APPENDIX II
Marine Markets – Commercial Fishing/Lobster; Other Commercial Vessels;
Transient Vessels
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: APRIL 11, 2008
TO: RON BOURNE
FROM: LAUREL RAFFERTY, PORTSCAPE
RE: SALEM PORT EXPANSION PROJECT – MARINE MARKETS – COMMERCIAL FISHING/LOBSTER;
OTHER COMMERCIAL VESSELS; TRANSIENT VESSELS
MARINE MARKETS – COMMERCIAL FISHING/LOBSTER; OTHER COMMERCIAL VESSELS;
TRANSIENT VESSELS
Commercial Fishing/Lobster
Commercial lobster fishing is Massachusetts’ most economically significant fishery conducted within state
waters.1 Massachusetts’ landings of lobster from all waters, territorial and non-territorial, at 10.9 million
pounds, was valued at $52.4 million dollars in 2006, 11% higher than 2005, making the state the second
leading producer in the country, after Maine. Maine and Massachusetts combined produced 90% of US
landings.2
The two charts below3 show the relative standing in commercial lobster landings in pounds and value
among New England States from 2001-2006. While Maine has had a commanding lead consistently,
Massachusetts has been second consistently.
NE Lobster Landings (lbs) by State
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
100.0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006LBS in MillionsRI
NH
MA
ME
CT
1 2005 Massachusetts Lobster Fishery Statistics, Dean, M.J., S.R. Reed, and T.B. Hoopes (TR31-2005), p. 1.
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/publications/tr31_2005_lobster_report.pdf
2 Source: http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/fus/fus06/01_intro2006.pdf. Statistics compiled by Massachusetts differ, as indicated
below.
3 Source: www.nmfs.gov. See Appendix A for data depicted in the graphs.
2
NE Lobster Landings ($ in millions) by State
0.0
50.0
100.0
150.0
200.0
250.0
300.0
350.0
400.0
450.0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006Millions of DollarsRI
NH
MA
ME
CT
Within Massachusetts, Essex county, in which Salem is located, retained its position in 2005 as first in the
state in number of pounds of lobster landed and in number of active fisherman. The statewide ex-vessel
price for Essex County was $4.85 in 2005, less than the statewide average of $5.02.4
The following chart shows the number of active commercial lobstermen, lobster landings, and traps-fished
by homeport for 2005 for Salem, other communities along Salem Sound and on the North Shore, and for
important fishing ports of the state. Rankings in each of these measures are also shown.5 (See Appendix
B for this data on all communities of the state engaged in lobster fishing.) As the chart indicates,
Gloucester is first in all performance measures. Beverly has top ranking in all categories among the
communities along Salem Sound, followed by Marblehead. Salem ranks low in all categories, between
35th and 37th, of the total of 46 communities covered.
Community Fishermen Catch (lbs) Effort
# Rank Territorial Non-Territorial Total % Rank Traps % Rank
Gloucester 194 1 815,170 751,975 1,567,145 14.01 1 61,988 14.58 1
Rockport 64 4 484,158 122,177 606,335 5.42 5 24,154 5.68 4
Beverly 39 8 416,817 148,307 565,124 5.05 7 21,143 4.97 6
Marblehead 31 12 274,153 24,805 298,958 2.67 13 14,619 3.44 9
Manchester 26 15 186,879 6,987 193,865 1.73 19 8,841 2.08 18
Danvers 8 30 51,375 0 51,375 .46 31 3,130 .74 30
Salem 6 37 26,389 0 26,389 0.24 38 2,110 0.50 35
Boston 51 6 292,038 519,024 811,062 7.25 2 18,988 4.47 7
New Bedford 120 2 51,670 423,997 475,666 4.25 9 5,782 1.36 23
Westport-Fall
River 26 15 24,963 744,203 769,166 6.88 4 13,143 3.09 11
State Total 1,222 46 6,462,788 4,721,940 11,184,728 100.00 46 425,020 100.00 46
4 2005 Massachusetts Lobster Fishery Statistics, Dean, M.J., S.R. Reed, and T.B. Hoopes (TR31-2005), p. 5.
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/publications/tr31_2005_lobster_report.pdf. The ex-vessels price referred to is the landings-
weighted average ex-vessel price as taken from the SAFIS dealer reporting database.
5 Ibid., p. 7. Data does not include seasonal permits
3
Opportunity
Factors affecting the level of opportunity there is in developing lobster fishing dockage fall into two
categories:
Those concerning the dockage itself -- its supply, and characteristics of its supply, its price, safety in
terms of weather exposure, and service level provided
Those concerning the lobster resource, its supply -- the status of the stock -- and its sustainability
Dockage
In Salem Sound and the North Shore area, there is a shortage of year-round commercial fishing dockage
space that is of a good price and safe in terms of protection from winter storms.
In Salem, itself, there are two facilities that have permanent berthing space for commercial fishing
vessels, Winter Island, which is public, and Pickering Wharf Marina, which is private. At Winter Island,
there is a pier, but it is unused for permanent berthing because of exposure to winter storms. At Pickering
Wharf Marina, there is space buffered from winter storms; the space includes a 500-F wharf, 10 slips at
39 F each (accommodating boats on two sides), and 3 docks with a total length of 130 F. Slots are
allocated on a 1st-come, 1st -serve basis. Fees for the summer are $150/F/6-months (May –October) and
$51/F for the winter 6-months November through April. With this rate structure, pleasure craft generally
fill the facility in the summer season, though one lobster vessel used the facility this past summer.
Generally six+/- lobster vessels use it in the winter season6; currently there are 11 lobster vessels at the
facility7. The Dock Master believes that demand for commercial lobster dockage is stronger than the
supply, but could not say whether any requests for dockage at his facility in the winter season had not
been met. He said the facility is generally full year-round though in the winter, there are fewer vessels, as
larger pleasure craft tend to use the facility at this time of year; commercial sight-seeing vessels also use
the facility. Other than Hawthorne Cove, which does not accommodate commercial vessels, Winter Island
is the only facility in Salem with available mooring space with good access and depths; however, weather
exposure is an issue in this location; moorings here are a flat $500/yr and services are good. There are
currently two lobster boats moored at Winter Island. With regard to potential new commercial lobster
fishing space, a dredging project is proposed at an existing pier elsewhere in Salem in the vicinity of the
new Beverly-Salem Bridge. The project is for a private facility that would accommodate 4-6 lobster
vessels and would provide protection for these vessels from winter storms. The status of the project is
unknown, but there are significant obstacles to it going forward, including conflict with existing plans for a
park for the neighborhood. The existing park plans represent mitigation for the bridge construction project
and would require City Council approval to change; there is also neighborhood objection to the change.
Nearby Marblehead has no slips; moorings have weather exposure and the wait at 12-15 years is long;
however, commercial vessels of residents may be given preference, and dockage fees are quite low at
$3.50/F/yr, less than those for recreational boats; services include a conveyor for loading and off-loading
lobster catch at the State St. Landing. According to Harbor Master’s office records, dated 12/2007, there
were mooring permits for 29 lobster boats in Marblehead. In the winter, some vessels are taken out of the
water, some relocate to Gloucester, Beverly, and Pickering Wharf in Salem.
Beverly, the leading producer in lobster landings in Salem Sound and among the top ten statewide in all
of the criteria ranked by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF; see Tables on p. 2 and in
Appendix B), has what is considered by some the premium public commercial berthing space for the area
at the public Beverly Harbor Center (BHC). Its fees and services reflect those of the Jodrey State Pier in
Gloucester, which the Facilities Manager for the Harbor Center considered the model in the area for
commercial dockage. Gloucester, as previously noted, is the top lobster producer in the state. Dockage
fees for commercial vessels at BHC are $76/F/yr. Dockage is protected from winter storms. Services
include a hoist for loading/unloading, electricity, fuel and bait delivery, but no haul-out or launch. The
facility has 17 commercial slip spaces; while one is currently available; there is a waiting list of 6-10,
demand is said to have been less in the past. 8
6 Source: Tom Moran, Dock Master, Pickering Wharf Marina.
7 Site survey, 4/9/08.
8 Source: Beverly Harbor Center Facilities Manager. The Facilities Manager reported that waiting list application fees might have an
impact on the numbers applying for placement on the list.
4
Manchester also has mooring space only; however, no commercial vessels are allowed; while the
topography offers winter storm-weather protection, there is icing over.
Rockport offers protected mooring space for commercial lobster vessels at $7/F/yr; there are slips, for
which fees are $14/F/yr; however, as the maximum length vessel they will accommodate is 22 F, most
lobster vessels are too large for them. Moorings are ample in number but nonetheless there is a long
waiting list; a very small number of the total 408 currently on the waiting list are for fishing or lobster
vessels. Lobster vessels on moorings are 150-180 in number.
Jodrey State Pier in Gloucester has space for 50 commercial vessels, 45 of which are filled by fishing
boats used for lobstering 60% of the time and fishing of other species 40% of the time. There is a wait list
of 50. Dockage fees are $79.20/F/yr.
The key findings of reports on Gloucester’s Commercial Fishing industry prepared in 2003 and 2005 are
that there is a shortage of berthing space, and further that the shortage is understated in these reports as
they focus on groundfish needs, not those of other species, including especially lobster. According to a
member of a panel involved in the industry review, lobster boats ‘…probably take up more docking space
than the larger boats because there are so many of them . . .”9
The report goes on to cite a number of conditions which put more and more pressure on commercial
fishing dockage space:
Gloucester’s commercial permanent berthing serves not only Gloucester, but communities in driving
proximity, including Beverly
Smaller nearby harbors have been losing their commercial dockage, and their commercial fishing
vessels have looked to Gloucester for space
Limits on days-at-sea for fishing for many species mean vessels are tied up at docks longer
The downturn in fishery landings, has led to deferred dock maintenance, and sometimes, as a result,
docks that can no longer be used.10
Within the past year, the press has reported the migration of Maine fishermen to Gloucester because of
regulations in the Maine which prohibit landing lobster by-catch, which is allowed in Massachusetts (see
article in Appendix C).
Space Available for Commercial Lobster Fishing Boats
Location Current #
Lobster Vessels Availability of Space
Salem
Public: Winter Island
Private: Pickering Wharf
2 Ample mooring space, pier unused for permanent berthing space because of
exposure to winter storms
11 (winter) Berthing space at a 500-F wharf, 10 39-F slips(2 sides), and 130-F dock,
allocated on a1st-come 1st-serve; used mostly by pleasure craft in summer,
1 lobster vessel was said to use dockage this past summer
Marblehead 29 12-15 year wait for mooring
Preference may be given to commercial fishing vessels of residents
Beverly 16 17 spaces, 6-10 on Waiting List
Gloucestera 45b 50 spaces, none available, wait list of 50
Rockport 150-180 Moorings - long wait list for moorings
Slips - Length will not accommodate most lobster vessels
a Jodrey State Pier only. b Vessels fish lobster 60% of time, other species 40% of time.
9 Commercial Fishing Industry Needs on Gloucester Harbor, Now and In the Future, 2005, Supplement to a Study of Gloucester’s
Commercial Fishing Infrastructure: Interim Report October 15, 2003, p. 4.
10 Ibid., pp.14-18.
5
Dockage Fees for Commercial Fishing Boats11
Location Fees
Salem
Public Winter Island
Private Pickering Wharf
$500/yr
$150/F/6-months (May-Oct); $51/F/6-months Nov-
Apr
Marblehead $3.50/F/yr for moorings
Beverly $76/F/yr for slips
Gloucester
Public
Jodrey State Pier
St. Peter’s Marina
Harbor Cove
Private
Marine Railways*
$79.20/F/yr for slips
$3.75/F/month for dockage
$4/F/month for dockage
$4/F/month+ $100/month (covering dumpster and
electric)
Rockport $7/F/yr for moorings; $14/F/yr for slips (see above)
* Must buy fuel and repairs from facility
Storm Protection for Commercial Fishing Boats
Location Storm Protection
Salem
Public: Winter Island
Private: Pickering Wharf
Moorings and pier are exposed to winter storm
weather
Dockage protected from winter storms
Marblehead Moorings exposed to winter storm weather
Beverly Dockage protected from winter storms
Gloucester Dockage protected from winter storms
Rockport
Pigeon Cove
Moorings protected from winter storms
Services Provided for Commercial Fishing Boats
Location Services
Salem
Public: Winter Island
Private Pickering Wharf
Hoist at pier, launch/haul service, seasonal dinghy
rack storage, water, boat ramps, parking
30+50 amp electrical service
Marblehead Loading/unloading conveyor (at State St. Landing),
launch ramps, floats, commercial fishing vessel float
rings
Beverly Hoist for loading/unloading, electricity, fuel and bait
delivery, no haul-out or launch
Status of Lobster Stock
There are short- and long-term threats to the Massachusetts lobster industry. Short-term threats are
being appropriately attended to; long-term threats require more attention.
There has been an expansion of effort in the lobster fishery that has been significant and rapid. From the
late 1940s through the early 1950s, landings were approximately 25 million pounds. More recently, from
1993-2005, lobster landings increased from 57 million to 88 million pounds, 80% of which were caught in
the state’s waters.12 In Massachusetts, concern that expanding lobster fishing was threatening the stock’s
sustainability led to a prohibition as of 1988 on the issuance of any new coastal commercial lobster
fishing permits.13 The number of coastal permits, now at 1,428, has fallen for the past eighteen
consecutive years. Authorizations for permit transfers in 2005, at 46, were few. The MA DMF report
11 Which may cover additional services
12 Species Profile: American Lobster Managers Face the Challenge of Rebuilding Depleted Southern New England Stock, Excerpted
from ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 16, Issue 5, July 2007, p.2.
13 Permits that allow lobster harvesting anywhere, including, most importantly, the state’s coastal waters.
6
shows that in 2005, 316 offshore permits were issued, continuing a decline over the past three years of
the five years shown. 14
Level of effort is thought to be a function of not only the number of fisherman, but the number of traps. As
a result, in addition to a moratorium on new licenses, trap limits have been set in some areas.15
There are additional controls as well. In the management of most fish species, a total allowable catch
(TAC) is set, that is, a cap is established on the number or weight of animals that can be landed. In
contrast, the lobster fishery is managed through controls to sustain lobster egg production.16
Management controls to meet this egg production objective, control fish mortality, and reduce latent
fishing effort17, set minimum (and in some areas maximum) legal sizes and prohibit the catching of egg
bearing females.
Nonetheless assessments of the stock status indicate that there are problems: in the Southern Gulf of
Maine, in Massachusetts Bay and Stellwagen Bank -- the area which borders the coast of Massachusetts
from its North Shore to Provincetown and the Outer Cape18-- there is a low abundance of lobster, high
lobster mortality, and low recruitment, and in Southern New England, there is overfishing and stock
depletion. In Georges Bank (GBK) and most of the Gulf of Maine (GOM), while there is no overfishing and
stocks are not depleted, in the case of the GOM, the high stock abundance is matched by high effort
levels, making these levels probably unsupportable if abundance returns to historic median levels, and in
the GBK, the high effort levels mean increases in effort are unadvisable.19
If lobster landings fall to the long-term average, they will be reduced by more than 50% of current
landings.20 This return to historical landings will have significant impact on the lobster fishing industry.21
Average catch rates, that is, catch per trap-haul, for coastal lobstermen in 2005 was approximately 10%
lower than in 2004 and 25% lower for offshore lobstermen22. Catch rates increase with amount of trap
soak time up to a week; when this factor is taken into account the term ‘pounds per trap-haul*set-over-
day’ is used. The average catch per trap-haul*set-over-day for offshore lobstermen for 2005 was the
lowest reported catch rate for Offshore Lobstermen on record,19% lower than 2004. While there has
been variability year-to-year between 1994 and 2005, the trend line is one of decreasing catch rates for
both Coastal and Offshore lobstermen. A comparison of catch rates for state territorial waters of Salem
Sound, which fall in Area 3, and those of other coastal areas of the state are shown below.
14 2005 Massachusetts Lobster Fishery Statistics, Dean, M.J., S.R. Reed, and T.B. Hoopes (TR31-2005), pp 1-4.
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/publications/tr31_2005_lobster_report.pdf 15 According to a New England Aquarium report on the lobster fishing industry, “…regulating the number of traps places no limit on
the number of lobsters that can be harvested commercially.”
16 The Sustainability of the Massachusetts Lobster Fishing Industry Dr. Michael Tlusty Research Scientist New England Aquarium
Boston MA 02110-3399 January 2003, p. 7. “The ASMFC is attempting to rebuild lobster populations to a point where egg
production values are 10% that of an unfished population...” (p.19)
17 This refers to “latent traps”, that is, “… traps that are not currently being fished either because the fisherman is not using their full
allotment (a fisherman with 420 traps in the water can still put in an additional 380 for their quota of 800), or because the license is
unfished (The Sustainability of the Massachusetts Lobster Fishing Industry Dr. Michael Tlusty Research Scientist New England
Aquarium Boston MA 02110-3399 January 2003, p. 10).” 18 Area 514, of the North Western Atlantic Ocean National Marine Fisheries Service Statistical Reporting Areas; see Map in
Appendix D.
19 Species Profile: American Lobster Managers Face the Challenge of Rebuilding Depleted Southern New England Stock, Excerpted
from ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 16, Issue 5, July 2007, Fact Sources: Lobster Institute & RI Sea Grant, NMFS; and ASMFC
Lobster Flyer, web, 2006.
20 COASTAL FISHERY RESEARCH PRIORITIES AMERICAN LOBSTER (Homarus americanus) Prepared by the Gulf of Maine
Aquarium January 10, 2001.
21 Recent record landings led lobstermen to incur great debt. According to a report on the MA lobster industry: “Economics of the
lobster industry are difficult, particularly for fishermen given the recent record landings. This has caused them to incur great debt
that makes the appropriate investment unsustainable if landings return to their historical average. Given that the lobster fishery is
not statically efficient (meaning that the industry could put in less effort to achieve the same yield, Herriges 2001) the appropriate
investment will always be maximized, and any downturn in landings will significantly impact the lobstermen.” The Sustainability of
the Massachusetts Lobster Fishing Industry Dr. Michael Tlusty Research Scientist New England Aquarium Boston MA 02110-3399
January 2003.
22 Source: 2005 Massachusetts Lobster Fishery Statistics, Dean, M.J., S.R. Reed, and T.B. Hoopes, pp. 11-12.
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/publications/tr31_2005_lobster_report.pdf.
7
2005 median catch per unit of effort (CPUE- pounds per trap-haul * set-over-day) for all license
types by area fished (A - territorial areas)23
Catch per unit effort (CPUE) is an index of fishing pressure. The numbers suggest lobsters are becoming
more difficult to catch. Since current catch levels are significantly above the long-term average, there is
reason for concern that lobsters are being overfished, threatening the sustainability of the lobster
industry.24
According to a lobsterman who also does research for the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries,
fishery management is currently being done on a species-by-species basis, creating an eco-imbalance in
which there are expanding predator fish populations that are diminishing the lobster stock.25 Other
researchers have reported that a long-time lobster disease that softens their shells, diminishing their
quality, has been on the rise. Another threat to the lobster supply is a regulatory closure of the fishery
because of the threat that lobster heavy trap gear and buoy lines pose to right whales, an endangered
species.26
The above indicates the status of the Massachusetts lobster industry and some of the multiple factors
affecting the status. These factors and others reportedly constitute short- and long-term threats to its
sustainability. The industry is said to be taking appropriate measures to assure its sustainability in the
short-term; long-term sustainability is at issue. Accurate predictions are difficult because of what is not
known. What is said to be important to its long-term sustainability is the dedication of greater effort to
improved scientific programs to fill the knowledge gap, as well as improved conservation, monitoring, and
enforcement programs.27
Commercial Dockage Facility Needs
Commercial dockage facilities needs are summarized below. They are largely based on interviews of two
lobstermen, who reported on three vessels, in their or their families’ use. Marblehead is homeport for
these vessels. Currently, in the summer season (May –Oct) the three vessels are tied up at moorings in
Marblehead and in the winter season (Nov–Apr) are moved to Pickering Wharf Marina in Salem.
Safety – Weather Protection -- The shift in location for the three vessels for the six-month winter season
is made for safety reasons. Pickering Wharf offers protected winter dockage, while moorings in
Marblehead are exposed to northheasterly storms in winter. A secure location with protection from
23 Source: 2005 Massachusetts Lobster Fishery Statistics, Dean, M.J., S.R. Reed, and T.B. Hoopes, p. 13.
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/publications/tr31_2005_lobster_report.pdf 24 The Sustainability of the Massachusetts Lobster Fishing Industry, Dr. Michael Tlusty, Research Scientist, New England
Aquarium, Boston MA, 02110-3399, January 2003, p.2.
25 Interview with Jay Michaud, Lobster Fisherman, 3/6/08.
26 The Sustainability of the Massachusetts Lobster Fishing Industry, Dr. Michael Tlusty, Research Scientist, New England Aquarium,
Boston MA, 02110-3399, January 2003, p.10-12.
27 The Sustainability of the Massachusetts Lobster Fishing Industry, Dr. Michael Tlusty Research Scientist New England Aquarium
Boston MA 02110-3399, January 2003, p. 22.
8
weather exposure year-round, but particularly in the winter season, is viewed as a key need by the
lobstermen interviewed.
The issue of weather exposure is a critical one, as can be seen from information posted on the web sites
of Harbor Masters of Salem Sound and North Shore communities, as well as those of the communities
themselves. These web sites often indicate whether the communities’ harbors or areas of their harbors,
are protected or exposed to winter storms. The issue is well-recognized in Salem Sound by those
involved in harbor management. The Salem Harbor Master reports the following in red on his Web site28:
All of Salem Waters, with the exception of Area S29, are exposed to a "Northeaster" to some degree. They
occur rarely in summer but are common in early spring and late fall. The two long-time lobster fishermen,
who were interviewed, stressed the problem of the winter weather exposure of moorings in Marblehead,
their homeport, explaining, as noted above, that they move their vessels to in winter to a different location
that provides storm buffering. The Beverly Harbor Center Facilities Manager emphasized the issue of
weather exposure in Salem Sound in an interview and identified some of the areas of particular concern.
The owner of Hawthorne Cove Marina confirmed the problem of strong wave action from winter storms
affecting his marina, a facility which is located in close proximity to the Salem Port Expansion project site.
Importantly, he noted, that just next to his facility within the project site, there is an area protected from
NE and E storms (winter storms), which he identified on a project map (see map in Appendix E).
Berthing Dimensions -- While lobstermen tend to fish in boats less than 35 F in length30, boats range in
size, on average, from 25-45 F. Two lobstermen who were interviewed indicated the dimensions of three
vessels in their or their families’ use: two vessels were 42F in length, and a third was 31 F. Average size
lobster vessels were said to be perhaps a bit smaller in their homeport of Marblehead. Width of their
vessels ranged from 11.5-13.5F and water depth requirements ranged from 3-5 F. For vessels of 42 F,
ideal berth length along a wharf is 50 F, but 46 F would suffice, it was reported; slip lengths could be
shorter -- 40 F.
Fishing Season -- The lobstermen interviewed fished lobster only, year-round, in daily trips, as often as
the weather allowed, one reported; the average number of days they were at sea was between 150 and
200. Average number of crew is two for the 42 F vessels; and this was said to be the average crew size
for commercial lobster fishing vessels moored in Marblehead. Both lobstermen had state and federal
permits allowing fishing in state and non-territorial waters; for the 31 F boat, one permit, a state permit,
was held; one lobsterman fished in Massachusetts Bay, mostly in federal waters (see Map in appendix);
the other fished in Salem Sound and the area of the surrounding islands, within 5 miles of Salem 70% of
the time for him and 100% of the time for his family member with the 31-F boat. All used traps, one
reporting his number of traps to be the limit, 800. All sold their catch to a Salem retailer/wholesaler,
Patriots Seafood, which they would generally have send a truck for pick-up at the dock. Price at the time
of the interview was $8/lb, but the average price during season is $4+/-/lb. Much of the product was said
to be shipped overseas to Europe and it was speculated that the value of the Euro may cause the price to
increase.
Seasonal Harvest, Coastal & Non-Territorial -- The annual pattern in territorial and non-territorial landings
for 2005 is shown below and reflects that of past years.31
28 (http://www.harbormasters.org/salem/moorings.shtml)
29 Area "S" is from the Kernwood Bridge to the Beverly Bridge in the Danvers River is designated Area "S". There is a long waiting
list and very little turnover.
30 The Sustainability of the Massachusetts Lobster Fishing Industry, Dr. Michael Tlusty, Research Scientist, New England Aquarium,
Boston MA 02110-3399 January 2003, p. 4.
31 2005 Massachusetts Lobster Fishery Statistics, Dean, M.J., S.R. Reed, and T.B. Hoopes, p. 8. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/
dmf/publications/tr31_2005_lobster_report.pdf .
9
Table: 2005 Commercial Lobster Landings (lbs) by Season for Territorial and Non-Territorial Areas
Season Territorial Non-Territorial
May – Oct 4,839,001 2,676,934
Nov -- Apr 1,629,653 2,254,305
Total 6,468,654 4,931,239
Among Statistical Reporting Areas (SRA) of state waters, the one including Salem Sound (SRA 3) had
the third highest lobster harvest in territorial waters. The Cape Ann area (SRA 2) had the highest harvest
of lobster (18%) in state waters. (See Figure below.)32
2005 total commercial lobster landings from all permit types by statistical reporting area—(A - territorial areas)
32 Ibid., p.8.
10
The charts below summarize the berthing and additional commercial dockage facility needs, waterside
and landside, (beyond that of protection from weather exposure), and the incentives for their relocation,
reported by the interviewed lobstermen:
Waterside
Berthing
Length 30-40 F slip length; 40-50 F, if along wharf
Duration Year-Round
Navigational Access Clear channel with 3-5 F water depths
Utilities
Electricity 110-120v, 30 amp
Water ¾” Standard hose (nice, but not necessary according to one interviewee)
Landside
Access Access for trucks that may come to site to pick up lobster, deliver fuel
Parking 1 space/vessel, year-round
Storage Views:
1) 2000 SF/vessel for traps, buoys, lines on-site next to vessel, year-round, ideal but could
live without
2) Temporary storage space only, no need for storage on waterfront, but do need storage
space somewhere, ideally on other city-owned property, as yard storage of traps is prohibited
in Salem
Fuel Views:
1) Fuel delivery by truck to site is easiest
2) Not needed, as can obtain off-site, but allowing access to fuel source used by ferry would
be beneficial
Loading/Unloading Conveyor used to load and unload catch in Marblehead is a convenience
Bait storage Small building, as in Saugus, would be ideal, space permitting, unless would increase cost to
that of private marinas
Ice, food, vessel
maintenance, repair
service
Not necessary
Incentives to Relocation
Year-round dockage available at slip, wharf, or float that provides protection from winter storms, as exposure to
winter storms “puts whole business on line”, and moorings are harder to access and less economical, requiring a
second boat to get to the mooring
Dockage fees more competitive than those of a private marina
Electricity, for vessel safety in providing power for pump-out if leaks develop; also for maintenance with power tools
Proximity to home
Market
When the following question was posed to the lobster fishermen who were interviewed, ‘Assuming the
facility were built per your comments on what would be needed, as well as those on price, if you were
asked "If built, would they come?" how would you answer on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the strongest "yes,
they will come? ", they answered, “!0, they would come.” One elaborated: “A weather protected and
affordable facility in Salem would most likely attract at least fifteen year round commercial fishing boats.
The vessel size would be in the 25 to 45 foot range.”33 In a follow-up interview, the second lobsterman
echoed the first on the size of the market; he believed 15-20 vessels would be attracted to the facility.
Revenue Stream
If dockage fees were those of existing public and private facilities in Salem Sound, the revenues
generated by a 35-F vessel for 12 months would range between $2660 and $7037. For a 42-F vessel
they would range between $3192 and $8442.
33 Emails of 3/29/08.
11
Revenues Generated from Commercial Fishing Vessel Dockage Fees for a 35-F Vessel (average size)
Location Fee 6-months
summer
6 months
winter
12 months
Salem - Pickering Wharf Marina $150/F/summer
$ 51/F/winter
$5250 $1785 $7037
Beverly Harbor Center $ 76/F/yr $2660
Revenues Generated from Commercial Fishing Vessel Dockage Fees for a 42-F Vessel
Location Fee 6-months
summer
6 months
winter
12 months
Salem - Pickering Wharf Marina $150/F/summer
$ 51/F/winter
$6300 $2142 $8442
Beverly Harbor Center $ 76/F/yr $3192
The two lobster fishermen who were interviewed and moor their 42-F vessels in Marblehead for the 6-
month summer period, and Pickering Wharf Marina in Salem for the 6-month winter period, pay
approximately $2336/yr34 or $56/F/yr. This amount is less than the fee for Beverly Harbor Center; this
facility, while offering year-round dockage at a slip at a facility with winter storm protection, meeting the
desired criteria, as well as good services, is considered expensive. While Beverly Harbor Center has a
waiting list, this suggests that it may take a fee less than $76/F/yr to attract these and other lobster
fishermen, especially those who use Marblehead, to a new Salem facility for year-round use. The
Pickering Wharf Marina fee of $51/F/six-month winter, is the current benchmark for the winter November
to April season; however, generally it is only 6-8 commercial lobster vessels which use this facility in this
season.
Impact on Lobster Fishermen Economics
Discussions with experienced, full-time commercial lobstermen indicate that establishing dedicated
shoreline slips in Salem, will improve their bottom-line economics significantly. A conservative estimate of
pre-tax earnings improvement for a single boat exceeds $20,000 per annum. In isolated cases, pre-tax
earnings improvement may approach double this figure. As with any owner-operator enterprise,
individual results vary by each individual boat’s current operating circumstances.
The majority of the earnings improvement results from increases in gross revenue. These increases in
gross revenue are not accompanied by proportionate increases in either variable costs or in fixed
overheads. In simplest terms, proper and dedicated Salem shoreside slips allow more time to actively
fish, and require less time to burn time and fuel while traveling. Assuming that each boat saves enough
time to fish for lobster at least one half hour per day, for five days a week, only four weeks per month,
only six months a year, less than $170 per day incremental gross revenue, will generate $20,000 in
annual revenue. Inasmuch as the fixed costs of mooring, ownership of the vessel and equipment and
insurance, and variable costs, such as fuel and crew labor to travel to and from the fishing ground, are
already expended, additional time spent fishing generates revenue that largely flows to the pre-tax
bottom-line.
Furthermore, proper and dedicated shoreside mooring may result in reduced expenses, particularly for
boats currently unable to find economic and efficient moorings. Areas of expense reduction include
disposing of dinghies, fuel, reduction of insurance if shoreside moorings permit better risk-management
practices; and reduction of weather-related casualty losses.
No estimate is made of benefits accruing to the larger community of Salem, although these may be
significant. Benefits include increased tax revenues from lobster boat gross receipts taxes; increased
employment at tourist-related enterprises – especially lodging and restaurant employment that rely on
“authentic New England” themes to attract customers-, and diversification of Salem’s economy.
Similarly, no estimate is made of benefits to the Commonwealth. Benefits to the Commonwealth may
include increased income tax revenue from increased employment, increased income tax revenue from
34 This number includes mooring fees as well as some small additional fees for the summer period.
12
lobster boatmen’s increased earnings, and increased sales tax revenue from retail sales at tourist and
travel enterprises.
Summary
In Salem Sound and the North Shore area, there is a shortage of year-round commercial fishing dockage
space that is of a good price and safe in terms of protection from winter storms. At the same time,
overfishing of the lobster resource is a significant concern. It is important to keep this latter issue in
perspective -- the industry is said to be taking appropriate measures to meet the short-term threat – and
to understand the threat. Recent harvests of lobster have been at record levels and have led to
expansion of fishing effort and an accompanying expansion in investment that this takes. Catch rates,
the index of fishing pressure, are in decline, indicating fishing is harder and overfishing is likely.
Measures to ensure sustainability of the lobster stock include, among others, a moratorium on issuing
new coastal commercial lobster fishing permits and the number of such permits has been declining. The
decline indicates that circumstances have had an impact on the lobster fishing industry; other potential
significant factors could lead to more impact. A return from record to long-term harvest levels will mean a
50% drop in harvests, and economic consequences for the industry, given its level of investment.
In 2005, there were a total of 76 lobster fishermen in Salem, Marblehead, and Beverly. Currently, there
are at least about 49 commercial lobster vessels using facilities in these communities; approximately 17
vessels are using a wharf, slip, or dock on a year-round basis, and 11 vessels are using such dockage for
six months in the winter; I for 6-months in the summer; the remainder are using moorings in the summer
season. Among the factors that would influence a decision to relocate to a new facility, year-round,
protected dockage is considered important. A dockage fee of as much as $60/F/yr, but less than $76/F/yr
would appear to be competitive.
Establishing dedicated shoreline slips in Salem for commercial lobstermen could improve their bottom-line
economics significantly. A conservative estimate of pre-tax earnings improvement for a single boat
exceeds $20,000 per annum. As noted, individual results vary by each individual boat’s current operating
circumstances. Such savings, if demonstrated and accepted by commercial lobstermen, could serve as a
highly compelling argument increasing their willingness to pay higher fees.
The two interviewed lobstermen felt very strongly that there is a market for a weather-protected,
affordable commercial lobster fishing facility in Salem -- that if built, the lobstermen would come. They
estimated the market size to be at least 15-20 vessels.
Evidence of the interest may be suggested by the feedback elicited in the course of interviewing a
number of sources in Salem, including individuals associated with public and private marina facilities; it
was reported that there was excitement about the possibility of a commercial fishing facility.
Lobster fishing would be synergistic with other possible uses of the site. Cruise passengers and other
tourists are said to find fishing vessels and the activities associated with them an attraction and
promotions such as “Days of Wine and Lobster” can be built around this use, such as is done with the
crab industry in Mendocino on the coast of Northern California.
Other Fishing, Yachts, Transient Vessels
There is a shortage of mooring/dockage space, permanent and transient, for the full range of types of
vessels, commercial fishing, as well as pleasure craft such as yachts. With regard to commercial fishing
space, the same pressures that apply to lobster fishing facilities, noted above, apply to all types of
commercial fishing facilities. There are differences in facilities requirements of different types of fishing
vessels, however; berth-size, seasonality of use, storage, service and other needs can vary according to
the species the vessel is used to fish. Given the changes that occur in the status of stocks and
management controls for sustainability of the various fisheries, the flexibility to accommodate multiple
types of fishing vessels can have value. As lobster vessels can be used to fish other species – as they do
in Gloucester currently 40% of the time, providing for these vessels has built-in a certain amount of
flexibility.
13
Providing berthing for permanent or transient use of pleasure craft, especially yachts, while commanding higher
dockage fees -- the figures below indicate these fees --, has the potential to create conflict when space is shared with
commercial fishing vessels. Pleasure craft also have different space and service needs than commercial fishing
vessels. Written common sense rules can mitigate some potential conflicts of shared recreational/fishing vessel
space – rules to ensure proper management of bait to reduce smells is an example --; nonetheless, segregation of
these uses may be best. Some sources of conflict are inherent: commercial lobster fishermen often go out to sea at
very early hours in the morning, producing noise from vessels engines and other activity at a time yacht users may be
asleep onboard.
Recreational Vessel Mooring/Dockage Fees
Location Fees
Salem
Public Winter Island
Moorings
Private Hawthorne Cove
Moorings
Dockage
Private Pickering Wharf
Dockage
$500/yr
Length Fee
up to 25’ $1,335.00
26’ to 30’ $1,450.00
31’ to 35’ $1,575.00
36’ to 45’ $1,650.00
$142/F/season 5/1-10/31
$150/F/6 months summer
$ 50/F/6 months winter
Marblehead
Public Moorings
Main Harbor
West Shore
$6.50/F/yr
$4.50/F/yr
Beverly
Public
Beverly Harbor Center
Slips
Moorings harbor-wide
$141/F/6 months (Summer, May-Oct)
$ 41/F/6 months (Winter, Nov-Apr)
$5.50 /F/yr (for permit)
Transient Vessels
Location Fees
Salem
Private
Pickering Wharf
Hawthorne Cove
(recreational)
Moorings
Dockage
$150/F/month – summer
$50/F/season -- winter
$25/day
$2/F/day + electric
Marblehead
Tucker’s Wharf
Moorings
$3.50/F/day with electric up to 10 days/stay
N/A – Harbor Master’s office refers requests to
yacht clubs
Beverly
Public
Beverly Harbor Center
$2/F/night
14
Appendix A
New England Lobster Landings by State 2001-2005
2006 2005 2004
NE State Pounds $ Pounds $ Pounds $
CT 792,894 4,030,636 713,901 3,821,396 646,994 3,166,060
ME 72,666,935 297,164,762 68,729,813 317,948,122 71,574,344 289,078,847
MA 10,967,296 52,557,255 9,884,340 49,587,035 11,295,474 51,580,647
NH 2,666,344 13,915,298 2,556,187 14,375,191 2,097,396 10,199,038
RI 3,749,541 18,391,519 4,343,900 23,010,314 3,064,128 14,620,742
Total NE 90,843,010 386,059,470 86,228,141 408,742,058 88,678,336 368,645,334
Total All
States 92,614,704 395,175,319 87,813,069 415,437,923 90,073,234 374,303,151
2003 2002 2001
NE State Pounds $ Pounds $ Pounds $
CT 671,119 3,170,088 1,067,121 4,225,522 1,329,707 5,450,283
ME 54,970,948 205,715,329 63,625,745 210,950,030 48,617,693 153,982,266
MA 11,385,049 52,329,426 12,853,380 56,568,700 12,132,807 53,430,128
NH 391 1,511 2,027,725 8,071,915
RI 3,474,508 16,731,441 3,835,050 15,875,101 4,452,358 18,746,772
Total NE 70,501,624 277,946,284 81,381,687 287,620,864 68,560,290 239,681,364
Total All
States 71,682,906 283,515,593 83,087,146 293,893,651 71,192,803 249,509,514
15
Appendix B
Number of active commercial lobstermen, lobster landings and traps-fished by homeport for 2005 (does not
include seasonal permits).
Source: 2005 Massachusetts Lobster Fishery Statistics, Dean, M.J., S.R. Reed, and T.B. Hoopes (TR31-2005), pp 1.
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/publications/tr31_2005_lobster_report.pdf
16
Appendix C
2/2008
More Maine fishing boats moving south
By the Associated Press and the Times staff
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_043064534.html
Gloucester's fishing port is emerging as a prime beneficiary from a tide of changes that's being felt hard in
the state of Maine.
Groundfishing boats are abandoning Portland and heading south, cutting the fish supply for seafood
processors and the Portland Fish Exchange and costing businesses that serve the Maine fleet.
More and more of the harbor's medium and large boats are now bringing their catches to Gloucester —
primarily because they can earn extra money by selling lobsters they catch in their nets, a practice
outlawed in Maine.
Maine's city-owned Portland Fish Exchange seafood auction is now staffed by a skeleton crew and has
cut the number of auctions from five a week to just two. It has been selling about 60,000 pounds of fish a
week, just 12 percent of its volume in the early 1990s, and is trying to lease out a portion of its largely
empty refrigerated warehouse.
Fewer boats mean fewer customers for Gowen Marine, which repairs boats and gear and sells supplies,
and Vessel Services, the harbor's lone remaining company selling ice and fuel to commercial boats. Cozy
Harbor Seafood, one of Portland's four larger seafood processors, now imports 95 percent of its
groundfish from Canada or Massachusetts, said President John Norton.
It's hard for Maine processors to compete with companies that have access to local fish, said Angelo
Ciocca of Nova Seafood. He expects his company and other shore businesses to close after their owners
retire.
"We are living the end of the groundfish-harvesting side of the industry in the state of Maine," Ciocca said.
"It's done. It's finished."
That's hardly the sentiment in Gloucester, where the arrival of the Maine boats is good news in what has
otherwise been a difficult era, said Peter Prybot, the longtime Gloucester lobsterman who writes a
commercial fishing column for the Times.
Prybot's column this past Saturday, in fact, noted the growth in such jobs as graders and buyers at the
Gloucester Seafood Auction.
"The port of Gloucester, for God's sake, loves to see the Maine boats," Prybot said. "They are top
fishermen and top producers. Gloucester not only benefits from the fish landings, they benefit from what
is spent on those boats, such as fuel and food."
Statistics show that the New England fishing industry as a whole continues to shrink in the middle of a
long-range plan to rebuild stocks of haddock, cod and yellowtail flounder through regulatory measures
that include reducing the amount of time fishermen can spend at sea. In the past year, 20 percent of
the active boats in New England have quit groundfishing, said Stephen Ouellette, a Maine
maritime lawyer who specializes in fisheries issues.
Portland has been particularly hard hit, with fish volumes going down nearly 50 percent from 2004 to
2007 — but fish catches brought to Gloucester have been stable, helped in part by Maine fishermen.
Allyson Jordan, of Scarborough, Maine, said she mailed her Maine fishing license back to the state after
the Marine Patrol — at the urging of the lobster industry — began enforcing a long-standing but rarely
enforced law that bans Maine-licensed boats from possessing lobsters in state or federal waters. Jordan,
17
whose family has been fishing in Maine for three generations, moved her family's two draggers and shore
operations to Gloucester and found an apartment in nearby Rockport.
"It was our family's way of life, and it kind of stinks we had to leave," she said.
Sam Viola, a Portland-based fisherman who has been working out of Gloucester this winter, said he and
other boat owners believe they have exhausted all options and are now justified in moving to the Bay
State.
"Portland is done," Viola said. "Portland is out of business right now."
1/19/07
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_019120552
Maine fishermen landing catch in Massachusetts at Maine's expense
By Douglas A. Moser , Staff writer
Gloucester Daily Times
Maine fishermen are landing more of their fish in Massachusetts to take advantage of more lenient lobster
rules here at the expense of Maine's seafood auction.
Massachusetts law allows fishermen to sell lobsters accidentally caught in their nets; Maine law does not.
In the recent past, many Maine fishermen would just bring their lobsters to Gloucester and Boston and
take the fish back to the Portland Fish Exchange. Now, after the prodding of local fishing advocates, they
sell their fish here as well.
"I always thought it was too restrictive for them," said Vito Calomo, executive director of the
Massachusetts Fishery Recovery Commission. "I used to tell them to come to Gloucester."
Calomo said Maine fishermen would stop to sell their lobsters, then steam back to Maine to sell their fish.
Within the last year, they have been landing their entire catch here.
"We pay a higher price in Gloucester for quality fish," he said. "When they're fishing off our area or in the
Georges Bank, it's quicker for them to come to Gloucester to drop the lobsters and get a higher price for
the fish. They buy fuel here, they buy groceries, they get some repairs done. It's better for our economy."
Maine fishing regulations prohibit fishermen from selling the accidental lobsters, called bycatch, when
they are not the fishermen's permitted catch. Massachusetts allows fishermen from any state to sell a
bycatch of 100 lobsters per day and up to 500 lobsters per trip.
At about $4 per pound, which is currently the average price, fishermen can reap an extra $8,000 from 500
lobsters averaging about four pounds apiece. Calomo said the price rises to between $6 and $8 a pound
during the summer.
Maine lobstermen also insist that operators of boats that catch fish in nets come to Massachusetts not
only because they can sell their lobsters here. They say fishermen also get higher prices for their catches
here, while paying out less in fuel costs.
From 2004 to 2005, the number of trips by Maine-based trawlers to Massachusetts to sell fish and
lobsters grew from 76 to 160, and the amount of seafood sold grew from $1.6 million to $3.8 million,
according to a new analysis.
In 2005, Maine fishermen sold 20,000 pounds of lobster in Massachusetts, a tiny fraction of Maine's total
harvest of 67.3 million pounds.
18
"For the sake of these few lobsters, we're losing whole boatloads of fish," said Tom Valleau, president of
the Portland Fish Exchange.
Maine's lobster industry opposes changing the rules, fearing too much effort is already being put on the
lobster population.
Fishermen know the odds are long that Maine, the nation's leading lobster state, will change its landing
law for lobsters. After all, there are more than 6,000 licensed lobstermen in Maine, the industry has a
politically powerful voice, and lobstering by far is the state's No. 1 fishery, worth more than $300 million in
2005.
The new numbers came from fishermen's log books and seafood dealer records that are collected by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the federal agency that regulates commercial fishing.
The numbers were crunched by an economist at NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center at Woods
Hole.
According to the analysis, Maine lost $9.6 million in seafood revenues to Massachusetts from 2000 to
2005 because of the law outlawing lobster landings.
The Portland Fish Exchange last year handled 9.5 million pounds of product, down from 17.1 million
pounds in 2005. In the early 1990s, the auction handled more than 30 million pounds a year.
One of those Maine boats going to Massachusetts, the 70-foot Olympia, is owned by Maggie Raymond,
who's the executive director of the Associated Fisheries of Maine.
Last year, her boat stopped going to Portland. Instead, it brought about 400,000 pounds of fish to
Gloucester and to Boston, she said.
By going to Massachusetts, her boat also brought in about $50,000 from lobster that were caught in her
fishing nets, Raymond said. She also saved nearly $9,000 in sales taxes that Maine charges on diesel
fuel which Massachusetts does not.
Raymond said she would bring her catch to Portland if Maine law allowed her to bring the lobsters there.
"These lobsters are being landed anyway. They're just being landed in other states," Raymond said. "If
there is any hope of preserving what's left of the groundfishing infrastructure in Maine, which is the
Portland Fish Exchange, something has to be done."
The Associated Press contributed to this report
19
Appendix D
Boundary of 1:125,000 scale map of Massachusetts Bay.
Area 514
20
Appendix E
Area protected from storms
from the NE & E (winter
storms)
21
Appendix F
List of Individuals Interviewed
Michael Sosnowski, Lobster Fisherman, 3/5/08
Jay Michaud, Lobster Fisherman, 3/8/08
Peter Gifford, Salem Harbor Master, 3/12/08
Elaine Cook, Salem Harbor Master’s Office
Louis Bochynski, Beverly Harbor Center, Facilities Manager, 3/12-13/08
Ray Shaw, Jodrey State Pier, Gloucester, Facilities Manager, 3/20/08
Shirley Edmunds, Gloucester Harbor Master’s Office, 4/2/08
Joe Pelczerski, Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management, 3/6/08
Rockport Harbor Masters, Rosemary Lesch and Scott Story, 3/18/08
Russ Vickers and Ben Copp, Hawthorne Cove Marina, 3/19/08
Tom Moran, Dock master, Pickering Wharf Marina, 3/19&23/08
Michael Costello, Executive Director, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
Scott Cavanaugh, U.S. Navy Commander NE Fleet Support, 4/2/08
Malia Griffen, Public Relations, Dominion Energy, Salem 3/28/08
Kevin Cornacchio, Dominion Energy, Salem, 3/28/08
Marine Railways, Gloucester
Captain Jeffery Monroe, Director, Ports and Transportation Department, Portland, ME
APPENDIX III
Market for Office, Industrial and Warehouse Space in Salem and Peabody
Phone: +1 (617) 547-0100 y Fax: +1 (617) 547-0102 y 545 Concord Avenue, Suite 210, Cambridge, MA 02138 U.S.A.
www.consultecon.com y info@consultecon.com
Memorandum
To: Ron Bourne, Bourne Consulting Engineering
From: ConsultEcon, Inc.
Date: March 28, 2008
RE: Market for Office, Industrial and Warehouse Space in Salem and Peabody
This memorandum reviews the market for office, industrial and warehouse space in Salem, MA
and Peabody, MA as inputs for the Salem Pier planning process. The final plan for Salem Pier
may incorporate office and industrial/warehouse uses into a new building on the site. Land-side
office and industrial/warehouse uses will primarily support water-side users. Following are
descriptions of the economic potential for each use located at the Salem Pier based on a review
of commercial real estate listings as of the date of this memorandum and discussions with real
estate brokers and managers in Salem. Due to the small number of properties available in Salem,
available properties in Peabody are also included in this analysis.
Office Market
Based on a review of available existing office space, lease rates in Salem and Peabody range
from $13 to $18 per square foot, generally on a gross basis. Newer office space that is better
situated to transportation will fall at the high end of this range, in particular space located close
to Route 128. Lease terms vary considerably by property, but most space is available on gross or
modified gross terms, in which some or all costs associated with utilities, taxes and common
areas are included in the base lease rate. According to one interviewee, taxes for office space are
higher in Salem than in other communities, at about $3 per square foot. In addition, smaller
office spaces will achieve higher per square foot rents than larger spaces. Therefore, net revenue
to owner is modest after costs for utilities, taxes, common areas and owner maintenance.
Industrial and Warehouse Market
Based on a review of available existing industrial and warehouse space, lease rates in Salem and
Peabody range from $4 to $16 per square foot, generally on a gross basis. This wide range can
be attributed to the quality of the space: industrial space typically has more investment in interior
fixtures and finishing than warehouse space. Therefore, industrial space tends to be $10 to $14
per square foot, with a few spaces at the top of the range. According to an interviewee, there is
good demand for small industrial spaces of 1,000 to 2,000 square feet with an overhead door that
have achieved rates between $10 and $12 per square foot. Lease terms vary by property and are
similar to office properties.
Data in Table 1 present the location of available properties and their lease characteristics.
Shetland Park is segmented from other properties due to the large size of the facility and the
2
variety of uses. This property is in a waterfront location comparable to Salem Pier, but with
significantly more space.
Economic Potential for Office and Industrial Space at Salem Pier
The lease rates for office and industrial space at Salem Pier will be driven by the demand for
office and industrial space by marine users, as well as the general market conditions for this
space. As an interviewee commented, Salem office rates are not sufficient to support the
construction of new space; there is a significant oversupply of office space on the North Shore.
Moreover, the net revenue to owner after costs is modest. However, due to the captive market at
the Salem Pier, there is the potential to charge higher lease rates because of the demand created
by marine users. In addition, there will be a premium in lease rates due to the fact that Salem
Pier will be new construction, unlike the older, existing spaces in the region.
Rent premiums may be reflected in higher than market lease rates on a net basis (i.e. tenant pays
for costs associated with utilities, taxes, common area charges and maintenance) or a mix of
market lease rates and front end capital investments by office and industrial users in the
construction of the space.
3
Address City/TownSpace Available (in square feet)Type of Space Lease Rate Lease Type Listed byIndustrial and Warehouse Space119R Foster Street Peabody 6,000 Creative/Loft $5.00 Carney & Company58 Pulaski Street Peabody 1,000 Industrial/Warehouse $7.50 RCG58 Pulaski Street Peabody 4,000 Industrial/Warehouse $4.50 RCG58 Pulaski Street Peabody 11,000 Industrial/Warehouse $10.00 RCG58 Pulaski Street Peabody 1,000 Industrial/Warehouse $4.50 RCGSummit Industrial Park (Summit Street) Peabody 30,000 Industrial/Warehouse $6.00 True Associates63 Grove Street Salem 15,000 Warehouse $6.95 Modified Net The Drumlin GroupOffice Space2 Front Street Salem 1,420 Office $13.01 Goldberg Properties Management214 Derby Street Salem 1,100 Office $13.09 Tennant pays utilities The Drumlin Group125 Washington Street Salem 300 to 3,500 Office $16.00 Gross (incl. utilities) The Drumlin Group76 Lafayette Street Salem 275 Office $13.75 Gross (incl. utilities taxes) RCG77 Lafayette Street Salem 1,000 Office $14.40 Gross (incl. utilities taxes) RCG78 Lafayette Street Salem 1,650 Office $14.55 Gross (incl. utilities taxes) RCG209 Essex Street Salem 6,500 Office $15.00 Tennant pays utilities The Drumlin Group84 Newbury Street Peabody 36,000 Office Class A $15.00 Associated Brokerage Group39 Cross Street Peabody 1,061 Medical/Office $18.00 Hillcrest Properties83 Pine Street Peabody 10,750 Office/Institutional $8.00 The Drumlin GroupShetland ParkShetland Park - Office Salem 300 to 20,000 Office $14.00 to $17.00 Modified Gross Shetland PropertiesShetland Park - Industrial Salem 300 to 200,000 Industrial $9.00 to $16.00 Modified Gross Shetland PropertiesShetland Park - Warehouse Salem 300 to 200,000 Warehouse Starts at $4.00 Modified Gross Shetland PropertiesSource: LoopNet.com, Shetland Properties, The Drumlin Group, and ConsultEcon, Inc.Table 1Location and Characteristics of Available Industrial, Warehouse, and Office Space in Salem and Peabody