The Connecticut Port Authority has seen an impressive year of growth for Connecticut’s maritime economy. In 2018, they saw new investments in our deepwater ports, the start of major rejuvenation projects at our small recreational harbors and international acknowledgment that Connecticut is poised to grow into an economic center with opportunities in shipping and supply chain.

In 2018, the CPA adopted the Connecticut Maritime Strategy, which will serve as a roadmap for CPA’s investment decisions and resource allocations over the next five years. The strategy sets out eight key goals as the CPA leads the mission to expand Connecticut’s maritime economy and create jobs through strategic investment in the state’s three deepwater ports and small harbors.

In May, the M/S Hebridean Sky docked in New London, making it the first passenger cruise ship to use the port of New London since 2014. Approximately 100 passengers disembarked for a trip to Essex and a ride on the Essex Steam Train. The ship was on a week-long cruise from New York to Halifax, Nova Scotia. New London was its first stop on the voyage.

The CPA saw internal growth in 2018 with the addition of two new team members to assist in maintaining and building on the growing projects and responsibilities of the CPA. Andrew Lavigne joined as Manager of Business Development and Special Projects responsible for stakeholder engagement, marketing, research and communications. Cassandra Berthiaume also joined as Finance Administrative Assistant and provides expert accounting and financial services support to the CPA’s portfolio of state and regional level projects.

This year also saw the CPA taking on a leadership role in the global maritime economy through the training and certification of port executives through the International Association of Maritime & Port Executives (IAMPE) Professional Certification Program.

Finally, the CPA is currently hard at work progressing major projects and agreements that will continue the state’s growth into 2019. CPA is in negotiations with a Respondent for the operations and maintenance of the State Pier and evaluating proposals for improvements to Pier 7 at Fort Trumbull.