New pier expands capacity and opportunity at Quonset Business Park’s Port of Davisville - by Chelsea Sifert

Last year, we celebrated the opening of the new Terminal 5 Pier at the Port of Davisville — the first new pier built at Quonset in nearly 70 years. At the time, we talked about what the project would mean for Rhode Island’s economy and the future growth of the Port. Today, we are beginning to see those benefits in real time.

This spring, the Terminal 5 Pier welcomed its first ship call: the Viking Odesa, a roll-on/roll-off vessel that delivered more than 1,100 GM and Chevrolet trucks and SUVs. For us, that first berthing represented much more than the arrival of a ship. It was proof that years of planning and investment are already strengthening Rhode Island’s only public port and positioning Davisville for continued growth.

The Port of Davisville has long been one of the top 10 auto importers in North America, handling more than 200,000 vehicles in 2025 alone. Terminal 5 expands our ability to accommodate automobile carriers while also creating additional flexibility for other cargoes and emerging industries. As activity at the port continues to increase, additional capacity is critical.

The new pier was designed as a true multi-use maritime facility. In addition to supporting our thriving automobile import business, it can accommodate heavy cargo, offshore wind vessels, submarine components, and other specialized maritime operations. That versatility is important because the maritime industry is evolving quickly, and ports that succeed will be those prepared to handle a wide range of opportunities.

We are also seeing strong demand for another component of the project: the Blue Economy Support Docks. Created to provide waterfront access for small businesses, research organizations, and emerging maritime companies, the docks have been nearly fully occupied since they were opened. Seven of the eight docks are already in use by companies supporting product testing, research and development and other maritime operations on Narragansett Bay.

At Quonset, we often talk about infrastructure investments as economic development tools. Terminal 5 is a perfect example. Modern infrastructure creates confidence for companies looking to invest and grow. It helps attract private-sector investment, supports good-paying jobs and ensures Rhode Island remains competitive in industries that are shaping the future of our economy.

The first ship call at Terminal 5 is only the beginning. As activity continues to grow at the Port of Davisville, this project is already proving to be an investment that will benefit Rhode Island for decades to come.

Chelsea Siefert is the chief operating officer of the Quonset Development Corp., North Kingstown, R.I.