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Debate over pilotage reform in District 3: proponents cite competition, opponents warn of safety risks
Summary
Supporters of Senate Bill 641 told lawmakers the bill would remove a de facto monopoly on pilot assignments in District 3 and allow New Bedford and other ports to attract large offshore‑wind and commercial transits; pilots and maritime safety experts warned the change would weaken compulsory pilotage, reduce training standards, and raise safety risks in constrained channels such as the New Bedford hurricane barrier.
Proponents and opponents offered sharply contrasting views at a lengthy hearing on Senate Bill 641, a bill that would change how pilots are appointed or selected for District 3 waters (the coastal area that includes the Cape, islands and parts of southeastern Massachusetts).
Andrew Saunders, president of the New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal, and Carol Oldham of FOSS Offshore Wind said the change is needed to allow Massachusetts ports—particularly New Bedford—to handle large foreign vessels and expand offshore wind work. They described recent investments in deep‑water berths in New Bedford and said the current arrangement, which leaves appointment and selection practices effectively tied to a Northeast Marine Pilots Association affiliate, can prevent timely access to…
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