Cargo Ship’s Arrival Leads New Logistical Challenges

The arrival of the first cargo ship at the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal includes another first for the city: transporting large turbine components through city streets.

The cargo from the MV Thorco Svenborg is headed to Plymouth, and Department of Public Infrastructure Commissioner Ron Labelle is in charge of getting it out of the city. He says a lot of prep-work will be required, like removing fire hydrants and light fixtures, cutting trees, and even installing a new road.

Rather than a straight shot down Route 18, the cargo will make a number of turns to avoid any overpasses.

Labelle says most of the activity will take place during the early morning and shouldn't cause any major traffic issues.